From the moment I stepped into the office, I made it my sole mission to steer clear of Alex at all costs. I was not about to give him another opportunity to criticize me so harshly about my perceived lack of backbone

So I devised a little routine – as soon as I saw Alex's silhouette approaching down the hallway, I’d abruptly spin on my heel and briskly walk in the opposite direction pretending I had an urgent restroom emergency. I’m sure Alex had spotted me a few times scurrying away but I avoided making eye contact

Once I heard his door click shut, I would slink back out to...