From Slate Magazine · Slate Staff · · 2m
Birthday Party Gone Wrong
Colleague's DUI arrest after wild birthday party leaves writer guilt-ridden.
In brief
Colleague's DUI arrest after wild birthday party leaves writer guilt-ridden. A writer invited a work colleague to their birthday party, leading to her DUI arrest and three days of absence from work. Originally reported by Slate Magazine.
My Birthday Party Invitation
I invited a work peer named Stella to my 33rd birthday party for the first time in years after the pandemic.
Stella's Party Experience
Stella downed shots at a tiki bar, avoided a guy sending her shots, and refused to leave her car after drinking too much.
Stella's Absence
Stella didn’t show up to work for Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday after her DUI arrest.
My Guilt
I feel terrible for not preventing Stella from driving drunk and am relieved she didn’t get hurt.
Stella's Reaction
Stella hasn’t spoken to me or replied to any contact attempts since the party.
Expert Advice
Jenée Desmond-Harris says Stella’s life isn’t imploding because of my birthday invite but because of her drinking problem.
My Responsibility
I did everything I could short of throwing my body in front of her car to help her.
Guilt Release
Jenée Desmond-Harris says I should release guilt and continue enjoying birthday parties knowing acquaintances are in charge of their decisions.
Gen Z Workplace
Gen Xpert describes younger colleagues acting like sullen teenagers with flat affect and contempt.
Gen Z Stare
Laura Helmuth says Gen Z colleagues might be overwhelmed, not contemptuous, and need better communication.
Workplace Conflicts
Night Shift reports colleagues turned against them after reporting a coworker to HR for inappropriate behavior.
Lunch Policy
Lunch Lady describes a supervisor's rule that coworkers must invite everyone to lunch, leading to group lunches.
Toilet Paper
Tree Hugger in Distress asks how to politely suggest coworkers use less toilet paper and turn off faucets.
Workplace Etiquette
Anxious in Austin asks about email etiquette after missing a response to their email.
Colleague Benefits
Uncertain describes a relationship with a co-worker who is 20 years their senior and in the middle of a divorce.
Career Secret
Grandma’s Career Secret shares that they got their first big promotion by sleeping with their boss 40 years ago.
What matters most
A writer invited a work colleague to their birthday party, leading to her DUI arrest and three days of absence from work.
