Dear Annie: How can I get my novel-writing co-worker to leave me alone?

What started with some friendly advice on a shared topic of interest has turned into a daily annoyance for today's Dear Annie reader.

I have a younger co-worker who I met at a work social event, and we started talking a bit about novels we are writing as a hobby. A few weeks later, he came by my cubicle to ask me more about writing, so I gave him a few resources to a local writers group. Ever since then, he keeps stopping by, often interrupting my lunchtime.

It’s clear that he never has a specific question for me and will grasp at straws or ask awkward questions just to keep conversation going beyond a normal or considerate time. I don’t mind occasionally chatting, but these constant interruptions when I am busy or trying to take a break are grating on me. I have tried redirecting him or just telling him I am busy, but now he is asking to get together outside of work to talk about our books.

I have no interest in this, and he clearly is not getting the message. I’m finding myself getting anxious over the looming potential of these random, unwanted visits. What should I do? -- Unwanted Visits from Co-WorkerYou mentioned that he is young. Maybe this is his first job and he is treating it more like he is still in college.

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