WIBU to say to somebody

[TobleroneBoo]

"I'm sorry, I can't keep hearing this"

Friend from work tells me the same thing every time we have a proper conversation. We have been through a lot within our company but every time we speak she always gears the topic back to how she didn't get a pay rise and why she didn't etc. I find it very awkward and there isn't very much I can say so WIBU to just say that? Would that be offensive?

Yanbu. Be tactful the first time, be prepared to have to say it more than once and get gradually more blunt!

When she mentions it next time just say :-
"Yes, you've mentioned this before but it's history so lets move on".

Make sure you have a few reserve topics up your sleeve to turn the subject to.

'Well talking about it won't change things so let's focus on the positive - are you doing anything fun this summer?'

"I'm sorry, I can't keep hearing this"

And why can't you use this for her repeated topic?

YANBU, the more tactful above me have explained how to go about it.

Bigbum I can, I'm just asking whether it would come across as rude.

Thanks all

It would possibly if she didn't use on you, it's very abrupt. However, since she does turnabout is fair.

Oh sorry I think I was unclear, she doesn't say that to me she just tells me the same thing over and over

I agree it's a little blunt. Maybe say something like 'It's a shame but of course it's probably a conversation for HR' with a smile. Still sympathising with her situation but making it pretty clear that it's not your problem and constantly involving you doesn't help.

That being said, I know exactly how you feel. Drives me mad listening to she same complaints by the same people about pay/hours when they refuse to bring it up with their line manager who might actually be able to help!