Oh boy. I'm sorry you're here and I hope you're okay. Today's the day to figure this out.

This is a multi-parter. We need to work through some information before we start this email. I've divided these templates up by whether or not this person is in a similar role as you (co-worker) or if there's a power-dynamic at play (supervisor).

Pro Tip: Brush up on your employee handbook for what conduct isn't tolerated.

Carefully complete this to-do list:

• [ ] This is what I'm addressing today: Choose one. Be specific. "Glenda doesn't like me" isn't good enough. You need to pinpoint a specific behavior like "Glenda claims that I'm not answering her emails and doesn't believe me when I explain to her that they aren't in my inbox."

• [ ] I obtained a copy of my employee handbook and understand whether or not this person's behavior is violating workplace conduct.

• [ ] This is when the behavior started: Specific dates are great. Try to hunt down the particular email or timeframe where the tone changed.

• [ ] I think/know this is why they're treating me this way: No one deserves to be treated like poo...recognizing the cause-and-effect here can help you keep those why-me emotions in check if an in-person meet or phone call arises

• [ ] This is who I contact and their contact information: Do you have an HR? Are you in a smaller company where there is no HR?

• [ ] These are the people I need to CC in this email: We're looking for fixers ONLY. This is your day-job, not daytime television.

• [ ] This is the list of other people in my workplace who knows about this problem: Did they prove to be trustworthy? Or did they blab and make it worse? Pro tip: Maintain privacy and keep a small circle from now on.

• [ ] I am willing to apologize for poor behavior in order to solve this conflict. POOR BEHAVIOR ONLY. I will not apologize for my sexuality, I will not apologize for my race. I will not apologize for my lifestyle choices that literally do not affect my work performance until I learn otherwise. If Glenda found out that I'm micro-dosing during her weekly Power Point presentations about her cats, I'm gonna apologize for that.