I was just recently in the hospital, and my boss sent an enormous fruit basket to me. I really appreciated it, and the fruit was great. However, there was more fruit in it than a human being could possibly eat (and not end up back in the hospital).
When I returned back to work, I brought the leftover fruit to put out to share with the coworkers. One of the coworkers took me aside and said that I was being very rude, I was obviously showing that I didn’t want the fruit basket since I was giving the fruit away.
Now, it’s not like it was a canned food basket. This fruit is only going to last so long. I thought I was being considerate to both my boss and the fruit, by a) not letting the fruit go to waste and b) sharing with the people in the office.
I’m willing to admit I made a faux-pas … but I’m also wondering what else I should have done with the fruit … suggestions??
Well, I’m not Miss Manners by any means, but I don’t see anything wrong with what you did.
I am sure you commented on your boss’ generosity when you brought the fruit in, and explained why you didn’t want such an ample amount of fruit to go to waste. Why should anyone be offended by that?
Not rude at all!! Your coworker is either kidding or truly has no idea. As Slythe said, your boss probably enjoys it, your coworkers get fruit, you appreciated it and ate some… everyone’s happy except for the coworker who obviously has little else to do.
Of course you’re being generous and thoughtful, as opposed to rude. (Though I suppose, if you’re going to ask anyone for an opinion, it should be your boss, not us, and especially not the co-worker)
But geez. Does this co-worker accuse the people who put halloween candy out of deliberately trying to make other people fat? :rolleyes:
Just goes to show that even when I think I’m right, I could always be more right… I didn’t make a big deal about the gift, and I should have. I’m sort of quiet and I thought it would be obvious (fruit, from boss, won’t last, please eat). So I will correct that when I go in today.
This proves my main thoery in life: While it’s true there are two sides to everything, most often one of the sides is just plumb wrong.
Your coworker was misinformed.
It is a tradition when leaving a hospital room to disperse your gifts, especially flowers, but anything you can’t use, like chocolates if you aren’t allowed them or “it’s a girl” cigars when you can’t smoke.
And they can go to anyone, friends or ward mates, or total strangers walking by.
I spend enough time in hospitals, for myself and my friends to be an expert on this!
I’m repeating what everyone else has said already, but I don’t see anything wrong with what you did. If anything, I think it makes you look pretty good. Don’t let your coworker’s comment bother you.
It was very nice of you to share the fruit. Got any left for us? I hope you are feeling much better. Notice these last four posts (including mine) are an assortment of SDMB beasties?
Bumbazine…Would’ve spit out [insert some liquid] had I been taking a sip when reading. Not really from the ha ha quotient but because it’s so damn true.
But back to the topic at hand. Yeah, of course you weren’t wrong. 'nuff said.
