However, there are some people who like to comment on what others are wearing.
Mr Neat still hasn't learnt that it's not a good idea to say to me, "Is that what you are wearing?" or "Do you really think those shoes go with that?"
That's bad enough but try working with someone who can't help but make comments on one's attire.
About a month ago I wore a shawl to work. The person, who shall remain anonymous, took one look at me and said, "Linda Hall is wearing a shawl."
He (oops, I let slip that indeed, this is a male) then progressed from that to, "Linda Hall is wearing a shawl, is she going to a ball?"
Of course, there was great hilarity in the office as he laughed loudly at his own joke.
Another day I wore a pale blue jacket.
He took one look at me and said, "Calling all passengers, your aircraft is ready to depart."
What? I asked him if he'd had too much sugar for breakfast.
"No," he said. It's just that your jacket is the same colour as what Air New Zealand staff wear."
Again, he laughed the loudest at his "joke".
When I wore my red jacket to work he asked if I was going to Lindisfarne College after work.
My clothes are not the only ones that amuse this man, who likes to make up stories about them.
Another staff member came to work recently in a black dress with a tan poncho over it.
I thought it looked really classy. But the office dresser had another story to tell about this outfit.
He asked her if she had ever seen a saddleback bird. She looked at him out of the corner of her eye and said "no".
"Well, you are wearing its colours," he said.
He even went so far as to print out a picture of the bird for her.
I don't think he can help himself. I would never dream of asking him if he forgot to get dressed properly because his shirt looks like a pyjama top. Or his shoes need a shine.
Of course, I take no notice of him or Mr Neat and I'm not offended in the least. They obviously have no fashion sense.
I did buy a 'pre-loved' dress to wear to a couple of functions this year and now it's my favourite. It's polka dot.
I might wear it to work in the New Year: I'm sure the office dresser will have something to say. I'll be "dotty" or "spotty" or maybe, because I rarely wear dresses to work, it will be:
"Linda Hall is wearing a dress
And she works for the press
I wonder if she has anything to confess
Or do we have to guess?"
Mark my words there will be a Story about it.
- Linda Hall is assistant editor of Hawke's Bay Today.
