I eat lunch at my desk. My colleague next to me is vegan. Yesterday I was eating a burger and she politely asked, \u201cCould you please not bring meat to the desk? The smell makes me feel sick.\u201d She wasn\u2019t harsh, but I could tell it made her uncomfortable. I didn\u2019t know what to say \u2014 I was just eating lunch.<\/p>\n
This morning I saw a new HR notice: \u201cTo keep a comfortable environment, please use the break room for meals with strong smells.\u201d No names were mentioned, but I understood.<\/p>\n
At first I was annoyed \u2014 eating at my desk wasn\u2019t against the rules. But later I realized she wasn\u2019t trying to embarrass me; she was just honest about her comfort, the way I might be if something bothered me.<\/p>\n
The next day, I ate in the break room. Later she came over with a homemade vegan cookie and said, \u201cThanks for understanding,\u201d with a smile.<\/p>\n
I smiled back and realized kindness isn\u2019t about being right \u2014 it\u2019s about respect. A little consideration can turn tension into understanding \u2014 and even friendship.<\/p>\n
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