At what point is a 'plus-one' not really a plus-one anymore?
By @remymaybe · Work
My coworker has started bringing her boyfriend to our monthly team lunches. He's not on our team, but she just assumes he can come along and get a free meal on the company card.
The full story
We have a small team (8 people) and our manager is pretty cool. Once a month, she takes us out for a team lunch to a decent restaurant, and it's all paid for by the company. It's meant as a team-building thing. For the past three months, one of my coworkers has been bringing her boyfriend. The first time, she asked if it was okay and our manager, not wanting to be awkward, said sure. But now it's become a regular thing. She doesn't ask anymore, he just shows up. He's a nice enough guy, but it changes the dynamic. We can't talk about work stuff or inside jokes because we have to constantly include him. Plus, his meal isn't cheap. Our manager has a budget for these things, and his presence is definitely pushing the limit. I can see the stress on her face when the bill comes. I feel like it's taking advantage of our manager's kindness and the company's generosity. The rest of the team is starting to get annoyed, but no one wants to be the one to say something and cause drama. I'm thinking of bringing it up privately with my manager, but I'm not sure if I'm overstepping or just creating an issue where there isn't one. Is it my place to get involved?
How people voted
- Totally Cooked — 26% (31 votes)
- It’s Complicated — 39% (46 votes)
- You’re Fine — 35% (41 votes)
Readers are split: “It’s Complicated” leads with 39% — 118 votes and 5 comments so far.
What people are saying
@maekinda — Why hasn't the manager just said 'hey, team only for this one'?
@avakindof — Weak.
@karalately — let her keep bringing him this is so messy lol
@piawelp — Your manager's spine has left the chat.
@elijahbye — She's weaponizing social awkwardness to get free meals for her boyfriend.
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