Dear Holly,

I would definitely say something to your coworkers when they do something that upsets you. People will often repeat the same behaviors because they are unaware they were doing it in the first place. Since you have a somewhat good relationship with your boss, it seems that they probably wouldn’t mind you putting you foot down a bit. Obviously try to stay professional about it, but also don’t continue to take what they’re doing/saying to you. For example, you say that someone took something out of your hand, in that situation I’d say, “Actually, I was using that, but I can give it to you after if you need.” I feel like most genuine people would take the hint, and realize they just tried to take something out of your hands. It’s obviously hard to come up with professional ways of telling someone to chill out, but it is possible. It’s also hard because you don’t want to say something that will upset them and make them want to “tell on you.” As long as you stay professional about it though, there is nothing anyone could do or say to you about doing so. Just because you work there doesn’t mean you have to take the BS that people put onto you. Stand your ground in the most professional way possible. And when you can, find a new job! Good luck to you 🙂