What can I do about my co-worker whoâ€™s a really loud eater?

My boss uses her company-issued credit card to take her husband out to dinner and expenses the meal as if he were a client. She also takes taxis to her hair appointments and expenses the fare as if she were going to a meeting. It really bothers me — especially as I have to file her expense report — but I don't have the nerve to expose her. Could I get in trouble for submitting fraudulent forms?

Yes, you should stop doing it and/or stop working for that boss. Say to your boss that what she chooses to claim on her expense reports is her business — but that asking you to lie for her is not only unethical, it puts your job at risk. Also tell her that you won't do it, and as a good assistant you are looking out for her and recommend that she stop doing it, too. If she objects, she isn't someone you want to work for anyway. I understand you may need the job, but what is she going to do — fire you for not filing her false expense reports? Then she'd have a much bigger problem on her hand. Start looking for a transfer or new job ASAP, and in the meantime, simply refuse to knowingly file any false expenses.

I sit in an open office space with about 25 co-workers. One eats constantly throughout the day — cereal at 9, granola bar at 10, a bag of chips at 11, soup and sandwich at 1, an apple at 2. Then comes the gum. She is a very loud eater — chomping, slurping, chewing — listening to her eat makes you want to pull your hair out. I can't wear headphones in my position (and yes, I've tried earplugs). Any advice?

One way to look at this is she is setting an excellent example by eating healthfully. Nutritionists say that multiple small meals throughout the day are better than three big meals. And aside from the chips, everything sounds like a meal plan from a health spa. As far as being a loud eater: It's important to chew your food very well before swallowing, so maybe it's just excessive chewing? All in all, I'm not sure exactly what the problem is — unless, perhaps, you and your colleagues are feeling guilty because you treat every day at the office like a Thanksgiving banquet. Try a polite version of telling her to be quiet.