There's people in this world who are inevitably bent on causing others harm -- or at least giving them a hard time -- all in the service of advancing their own interests. It's usually a reflection of the loathing they harbor toward themselves or some aspect of their life. They take it upon themselves to project onto you and others -- unsuspecting victims in their path -- their unrelenting misery.  Maybe you've encountered this at work or elsewhere: A toxic boss or surly acquaintance who seems to revel in making others feel like crap, whether out of envy, jealousy, spite, or no concrete reason at all. Once someone stands up to them, they may very well put the bullseye on others' backs, including yours.  So how is one to deal with these toxic individuals?  Don't let them get to you Nothing spurs them into taking a victory lap quite like seeing you deflated and despondent. Even if they're getting on your nerves, try not to show it. It'll supply them with more f...

I know not all of you are guilty of this, but it's alarming how many women I've caught doing their makeup in the car. Some do it only while at a red light, but others continue to apply lipstick or blush even while the car is moving. I understand that women are short on time in the morning and have no choice but to do their makeup after walking out the door. But doing this while driving is just asking to be in accident! A better solution: Do your makeup in the car before even turning it on. You can alternatively put off the makeup until you've parked your car in the company parking lot. If you're concerned about being a few minutes late, just sign in and immediately head for the restroom. I published a post earlier this summer about the hazards of fiddling with your cell phone while driving. I see applying makeup as no less dangerous. It's inportant we always keep our eyes on the road. There are far too many reports in the news of accidents that were caused by ...

Be honest: How often do you use your cell phone -- whether it's to talk, text, or surf the web -- while driving? This morning, as I was driving to work, I couldn't help but notice that the drivers to my left and right, as well as the one behind me, were at one point all using their cell phones -- while their feet were on the gas pedals. I won't lie: I use the phone myself, but only when I'm at a red light or stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic. But fiddling with one's phone while one is driving is extremely dangerous. It prevents you from fully focusing on what you're doing behind the wheel. People can become so distracted that they fail to look up in time to avoid accidents ranging from rear ending the car in front to hitting a pedestrian attempting to cross the street. Compounding the problem even further is when the driver is either sleepy or under the influence. Unless an emergency prompts us to talk, text, or browse while driving, we should all aim ...

Since graduating from college, I've worked for 3 companies, and I have seen at least one workplace relationship bloom at each one. It seems most companies don't explicitly forbid workplace relationships, but people involved in them aim to keep the relationships under wraps nonetheless. The danger in having a romantic relationship with a coworker is obvious: what happens if the relationship goes sour? Would it create a more hostile work environment for those in the relationship as well as everyone around them? The bottom line is that you don't want to do anything to jeopardize your job. If both people are certain they can leave their relationship at home and not let their relationship woes (if any) seem into their work lives, then I don't see a problem with carrying on. This, of course, is assuming both people work in the same department. If you work for Sales and he works for Human Resources, you likely won't interact with one another, posing even fewer pote...