Q.: I have noticed that a young college graduate who recently came to work at my company never wears a coat. She wears what look like lightweight jackets and such. When I asked her about it, she shrugged it off, saying that what she wears is cool.
It is cold where we live. I wonder if she can’t afford a coat. She has an entry-level job, and she moved from Florida. Would it be OK for me to offer to give her a coat that I have? I don’t want to insult her, but she needs it. – Caring Co-worker, Chicago
A.: You never know if she will accept your offer, but it is worth a try. Discreetly bring a coat (the one you think she is most likely to wear) to work in a bag and give it to her, saying you brought her a present. Do not press her to react, respond or wear the coat. Let her take it from there.
