DEAR CAT: I work in television, so you can imagine how hectic and crowded our offices and studios are on a daily basis. With swine and regular flu fears at a record high, I am astonished when co-workers show up coughing and sneezing all over the place. I fully understand having a great work ethic and not wanting to leave your colleagues in the lurch, but I have kids, a husband and my own job and health to maintain, and it seems the height of disrespect and disregard to subject innocent co-workers to your illness. You agree with this, right? -- HEALTHY, FOR NOW

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DEAR HEALTHY: I emphatically agree! Coughing and sneezing into the crook of your elbow is incredibly important, but even more so is doing it at home so there's zero chance of spreading your cooties to anyone else. It is the height of hubris to assume your infected presence is a welcome sight at the office. The only person who might respect you for showing up when you're half-dead is the kind of boss who doesn't care if you're all dead.

CAT'S CALL: If you've got one of those, use the sick time to dust off your resume.

DEAR CAT: I'm a 32-year-old single guy. My friend, 31, complained to me for a year about his girlfriend. Finally he followed my advice to break up with her and find someone who will treat him better. That was a few months ago, and he's been depressed ever since. He told me that he blames me, and he'd still be happy if he hadn't listened to me. I told him, "You were miserable with her. You asked for my honest opinion and I gave it to you." I don't feel guilty, but I'd still like to help him. Any words of wisdom I can pass on? -- CAT'S CALL COPYCAT

DEAR C.C.C.: He's not really mad at you. He's mad at the truth. It's especially tough when a distraught friend asks for your honest opinion, then blames you when they don't like it. At this point the wisest words you can pass on include: "Get dressed, we're going out," and, "There's someone I want you to meet," and, "You look like hell, we're going shopping." It says something that he stayed in a miserable relationship. So if you're truly concerned about him, you might add, "You should talk to a professional." The longer he sits around depressed and resentful, the worse off he (and your friendship) will be. There are no magic words to heal heartbreak but ...

CAT'S CALL: Having great friends who get you up and out is the next best thing.

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