Hi Henly,

Strategies:

1. Simply not be there for these “mandatory” late hours once or twice a year. No one can argue with a toothache, right??

2. Change the mood. Order pizza, and offer coffee or chocolate for everyone.

3. When someone slams a door, tell them to shut it quietly. Offer a chocolate. When someone is aggravated, tell them that it stresses you out. Offer a chocolate. Commiserate. Say you hate being there as much as anyone.

4. Tell everyone you are going out for dinner/drinks after if anyone wants to join you.

5. Ask, “Is it me??” He/she/they will fall over backwards assuring you that it’s not you!

Good Luck!

Inky