Ack. Dilemma

Couldn't you just say something about how it would be easier to keep social and business worlds separate?

Can you not just not use her again? And if she asks when the next lot of work is coming, say: "I'm sorry, X, but after what happened with the last job I thought it was better for me to give my work to someone else, because if it happened again I could imagine it really affecting our friendship."

Well, it's going to be nigh-on impossible to keep it friendly, isn't it? I guess you need to think about how you'd like it to be handled if you'd made the c**k-up?.

Personally, I'd wait until you've calmed down, then give her a call. Again, personally, I'd be reluctant to write her off if this was a one-off, and I'm sure she'd be doing everything possible to ensure it never happened again on future assignments. If you're determined to stop using her, I'd try to keep it light about comemrcial decisisons not mixing work with pleasure, yada, yada, yada. But if I were her, it would p me off even more, TBH.

Despite the fact that it's caused you huge issues, there's no need to shout, is there? I imagine she's already feeling bad enough about it as she's a personal friend. I'd personally give myself time to cool off (if I feel that right now I can't talk to her without blowing my top) and then explain that you don't want any future business issues to cloud your friendship, so you feel it would be better to work with someone else on this.

She should be expecting to be not used again if it's a big c ock up, you shouldn't have to say it

L
xx

Lol. I thought this was an easy one until I started typing out a reply ?

As her friend I would probably explain to her what happened when she let you down work wise, how it made you feel and that you do not want things at work to effect your relationship has friends. To avoid any of these feelings in future you would like to keep her as just a friend and not as a business aquaintance. The words every woman wants to hear 'you're friendship means too much to me to let work get in the way'.

Alternatively you can use her again and hope it doesnt occur again. To be fair if it is the first time she has stuffed up I would probably explain to her the implications and ask that in future it does not happen again or you unfortunately will not be able to continue using her services.

WHLS - I would probably avoid saying something in this case, and just not use her again. She'll probably work out why. Crappy situation though

I'd be inclined to be honest with her but soft soap it loads and say something along the lines of "you know, the fact is that because you are such a fantastic friend, I feel as if any business related issues between us could compromise that, and i am not prepared to do that so I think it would be best if I use somebody different in future. I can always get another printer/designer but good friends like you are hard to come by".

<<creep icon>>

then you can silently fume about the trouble its caused you.

Do you have to say anything at all to her at this stage? If you just say 'thanks' to her for what she's done and leave it at that. If she asks if you'd like her to do anything else you can say no, nothing needed, thanks.

Least said soonest mended. But I'd be fuming too!

actually yes, thats a good point. i m just not one for leaving things unsaid really.

that is SO not me ?

Why not drop her an email then, saying something like

Hi X - just wanted to thank you for all your hard work in ironing out the problems we've had with Y. I'm sure you'll understand that I think it's best if we don't work together again in future - I'm not sure any friendship could survive this happening again!

And then suggest meeting up for dinner or something in a few weeks, so you'll have time to calm down.

yes, i m sure youre right, as are a number of others saying similar. i just dont want to have dinner with her, i m so pissed off ?

ok, thanks all. i think i ll ring her next week and have a general chat and mention it then. i cant just leave it, its not "me" at all.

Does she know she's cocked up big time?

Thinking of this if it was me and I'd messed up, I would totally expect you not to use me and I'd also expect you to swear at me and give me a bollocking. She must also know this if she knows you? ?

So, I think you need to do as Sophie has said and just tell her as it is and say that you are p'd off and that it's best that you don't use her again. She'd be an idiot not to see it coming to be honest.

oh yes, she is well aware

yes, she does, which is why i havent phoned her. i saw her on sat and she practically sprinted away ?

Given she's presumably avoiding you because she feels bad for messing up and because she's worried what Mr Blunt is going to say, I'd email her and say, you want to clear the air between you. That you don't want to fall out, you appreciate she's putting the mess right, and that you'd rather stay mates than risk any further issues in the future.

I feel really sorry for her. i cry easily too, and hate letting people down esp friends. that in itself, as well as the fact she knows you so knows you will be mad ? is punishment enough imo. definitely leave it till next week and then just call her to clear the air.

i would be so scared if you shouted at me ? ?

i can if you like. my rates are very reasonable. i ll even wear a uniform if you want ?

There is nothing you can say to clear the air that doesn't translate as 'I am not using you again because your incompetent' imo, so you may as well be blunt and flat out say 'I think it's best we don't work together again, to maintain our friendship'

L
xx