Two closest buddies at work--drop dead!

[pseudotriton_ruber_ruber]

@Rubystreak

They’re schnorrers, as my dad would say.

“Hello, it’s Captain Spalding, the African explorer!
(Did someone call me schnorrer?)”

I agree, and I’m prepared to nibble on rabbit food forever, if it means I can avoid dining at Chez Messieurs Les Schnorrers ever again.

[you_with_the_face]

@pseudotriton ruber ruber

As to the kind of aspirations–simply being in an environment where my friends continue to outnumber my detractors.

I can only deduce by this that you have a lot of detractors (or a few powerful ones) that makes this self-inflicted pain in the crotch a net gain to you. Can I suggest that perhaps you work on making more allies at work instead of putting all your eggs in these two manipulative baskets? With friends like yours, I’d be reluctant to see your enemies.

[jacquilynne]

Perhaps you could bring up the issue before dinner? When plans are being made, say something like, ‘Sorry guys, I really can’t go. I’m trying to be cautious about my finances, but even if I don’t order much, we always end up splitting the check evenly, and I can’t risk my budget that way.’

Of course, that makes you look like you’re having money troubles. Maybe ‘I’m trying to save up for INSERT REALLY COOL, EXPENSIVE THING HERE so I’m trying to cut back my non-essential expenses and even if I don’t order much, we always…’

[Cat_Whisperer]

@you with the face

I can only deduce by this that you have a lot of detractors (or a few powerful ones) that makes this self-inflicted pain in the crotch a net gain to you. Can I suggest that perhaps you work on making more allies at work instead of putting all your eggs in these two manipulative baskets? With friends like yours, I’d be reluctant to see your enemies.

I agree. These two are your allies the way some kids let a mentally handicapped kid be in their group so they can push them around, from what you’ve described here. I’d unentangle myself from them very carefully.

[VinylTurnip]

@Boyo Jim

@pseudotriton ruber ruber

Let’s just say that I agree I’m being unassertive in this anecdote (for reasons you may not support, but which make sense to me) and have to hold back my natural assertiveness in the context of my larger career goals, which depend in part on support from these two colleagues. It simply struck me as funny to be told I need to be assertive–I think that’s the first time I’ve gotten that suggestion here. Though, in your defense, I have tried to suppress my assertiveness since you’ve been a member of the SDMB–I was having a joke that you’re in no position to get, and (having explained my little joke) I’ll apologize for having you on for the amusement of others.

This very post has qualified you for entry to the SDMB Wuss Hall of Fame.

It’s even funnier if you read it in the voice of “Droopy.”