Dear Annie: I work with a woman who, for some reason, is absolutely desperate to hoard all the work, all day, every day. “Geri” answers the phone on a half a ring. If something comes out of the fax, then she will run to get it before anyone else can. If you tell her that you’re handling something, then she will pretend not to hear you and walk all over you and the work you’ve already put into the project. If she does not get her way, then she will cry and tell the boss that you’re mistreating her. She has one of the brownest noses I’ve ever seen. I believe she has become a human suppository to my boss.

Geri has been nasty to me since Day One. When I’ve told her I don’t appreciate the way she treats me, she tells me that I’d better get used to it.

“Quantity, not quality” must be her personal motto. She will, on occasion, share work that comes out of the fax with everyone else in the room except myself. She has told me that the reason I don’t like her is that she has “a work ethic.” I’d beg to differ. It seems more along the lines of a personality disorder and/or extreme arrogance.

She doesn’t believe she can ever make a mistake. If she does and you catch it, she’ll instantly blame someone else or say, “What’s the big deal?”

She’s even made flyers saying that “Geri is the best.” and “Geri is a nice person.”

I am at the end of my rope. I’d hate to quit because the days that she doesn’t show up are pretty darn good. We laugh; we work; and, we share.

The only time she is kind is when she wants something from you, whether it be knowledge or for you to pick her up some food or perhaps complete a task that she feels is beneath her. Please offer me some guidance. — Enough Is Enough

Dear Enough: In my years writing this column I’ve heard of all sorts of behavior, but someone making “I’m Great.” flyers, that is a first. Clearly, Geri has some issues that didn’t begin with you, and they won’t end with you. Acknowledging that might help you find some measure of peace with the situation. That’s not to say you should put up with workplace bullying. The first step in addressing that is to talk to Geri again. Ask what can be done to make your working relationship better.

If this peace talk doesn’t bear out results, it’s time to go up the chain of command. Request to meet with human resources, if there’s no HR, then your supervisor).