Can I still trust my PA?

Dear Aunty B,

I have just found out that for the past six months my PA has put sugar in my tea, which partly explains why I am addicted to my tea at work and now find it too bitter to drink at home. I found out by accident when she went away on holiday and her replacement forgot the sugar and ran in with a sugar sachet.

When I pointed out to my PA in her return that I didn’t take sugar, she just shrugged and said she did it by accident one day and I “seemed” to like it.

I know it is a small thing but I feel I have lost some trust in her.

Should I let the tea thing bother me?

Troubled

Dear Troubled,

The same thing happened to a friend, who for years had only been buying coffee from one cafe because the coffee was so delicious. In his case he found out that the barista always used full cream milk even when a customer asked for skinny or low fat. The reason? The customers came back.

Apparently this is quite common in Melbourne and explains why Melbournians grumble about the poor quality of coffee when they cross the border.

Look, see the upside. This PA should be groomed for sales. She would be quite capable of looking at what a customer actually wants instead of what they think they want. This is a real skill.

On the other hand, it sounds like she does make a good PA. She is instinctively working out what works, what doesn’t. Let’s face it. You haven’t spent the last six months telling her NOT to sugar your tea.

Put this behind you and focus on overcoming your sugar addiction. And you will have your revenge on her anyway. I am sure that without the sugar hit first thing you will be in a very bad mood… and guess who will cop it?

Good luck,
Your Aunty B

To read more Aunty B advice, click here.

Email your questions, problems and issues to auntyb@smartcompany.com.au right now!