Some background to set the scene.. I have worked with Linda for 9 years not only is she a colleague I also consider her a friend despite being a 23 year age gap. We both do the same job but for separate functions. We often are referred to as the “dream team” because we work so well together.
Few weeks ago, Linda had taken some last minute annual leave due to her 17 year old daughters mental health being bad. She returned the following week and I thought she was very cold and not her usual self. I knew her daughters mental health was affecting hers due to previous conversations so I just left her to deal with it in her own way. So yesterday, she come in very chirpy and seemed like the old Linda. She then told me they had bought a puppy to give her daughter something to focus on. She showed me some pictures and I was pleased for them. I made a comment saying “hopefully you wont be landed with the pup too much”. She snippily replied “It’s a commitment I’m willing to make for my daughter”. That was the end of the conversation and she seemed fine all day.
Today she come in and said she has been mulling over my comment last night about the dog. I apologised and said I didn’t mean it in a malicious way I meant hope you don’t miss out on your holidays etc due to dog care. She then replied “my husband thinks you’re just jealous”. I’m certainly not jealous. I just sat there like WOW this has been blown way out on context. She hasn’t spoken to me since and I’ve tried to make small talk with her but getting nothing.
How do I tell her I think this whole situation is pathetic?