Coworker-friend "threw me under bus" again.....?

We share same cubical/office supplies. I just was given a larger cube and all new office supplies. She was clearly dissappointed that this wasn't her. I worked on her off day (in my new cube) I didn't have all equipment I needed, so I borrowed from her cube. Apparently I forgot to return it to its right place... instead of discussing with me, she went right to HR and placed a complaint... THIS is a "good" friend, mind you. Also I may add... second time this has been done. Last time... I lost the job. She has seniority.
Problem: I still have to work with her; HR thinks its ridiculous and isn't taking it any farther; How do I handle it on the personal level with out letting it be known throughout the office???? help!!

I would like too add that I am talking about office supplies. stapler, tape a green pen. I wasn't speaking of a computer or something personal.. Also, I would like to reiterate.... we were very good friends.

That person is not your friend... remember to keep her at an "acquaintance" level... be polite and nice, be professional, and remember who she really is (she's a snake in the grass, and a petty one at that...).

Never "borrow" from anyone in the office again without asking first, or the gossipers will be all over you...

What do you mean you APPARENTLY forgot to return her items...you did or you didn't...sounds to me like you'e trying to keep from taking ANY responsibility for what happened...maybe that's part of your 'friend's' problem with you....

Doesn't sound like she thinks of you as a "friend." I wouldn't even say anything to her, I would just let it go and let her go as well. She isn't worth your time or effort of constantly worrying what she is going to do next time to try to screw you over.

Wow, I am so glad I work from home.


Jack, it's not "her stuff" it's company stuff, and the other worker wasn't at work, she doesn't own the office supplies, any employee should be able to use any office supplies if they have a superior need to another employee. The simple fact that she was not at work that day subordinates her need for the office supplies to the one actually working to make the company money on that day..

Don't trust your "friend" with anything. I'd view her as an enemy.

How would I handle it? I'd be friendly with her, but that's it.

I'm assuming of course, that you did not intend any malice in your actions.

Silence is golden, and in some cases the most horrible form of torture known to man...

(that includes outside the office as well).

I'd excommunicate her until she apologizes. Pettiness has no place within a friendship.

She is not your freind! She is petty and cutthroat.Be nice to her face but never forget what she has done and when you get hauled into the office sometime and asked about her behavior tell them the ugly truth.What comes around goes around and she will get hers just be miss sweet as pie at work and her house of cards will fall. If it makes you feel better write something about her on the wall of your local pub but at work be sweet.

I don't care how good of a "friend" you think she is, she is no friend to YOU. It's a two way street, if one is on a one way course, one is bound to collide.

Stay professional with her. "Ignore" this event, HR is apparently on YOUR side and if she continues with this non-sense she'll be putting her job in jeopardy, not yours.

Hope you work it out, work days are long enough, having hostility makes the days even longer.

Good luck.
Peace.

You could have easily avoided this whole situation by doing something very simple:

Go to the supply room and get your own sh!t without going to her cube.

Just be upfront and honest with her. Usually people who act passive-aggressively have a hard time being big and bad when confronted in a professional but direct way. Let her know that you're sorry you forgot to return the items you borrowed, but that in the future, you would appreciate she come to you first when there's a problem. Let her know that you value your relationship and that you know she'll keep the lines of communication open. :) And if she continues to be a jerk, put some laxatives in her coffee. ;)