Dear Annie: Nosy co-worker sent me a text intended for someone else violating my privacy

Dear Annie: I have an employee who is constantly overbearing and frequently steps out of line in regards to privacy and personal space. She mistakenly sent me a text where she was revealing to a family member who works at a medical office where I was obtaining medical services, and describing my car and what state my tags were from. This shook me, considering it’s my private medical treatment at stake, and I have no idea what else has been discussed without my knowledge.

How can I professionally say you’ve gone too far and my medical treatments are off limits for discussion? This should be a given and just plain common sense, but there seem to be no bounds regarding her nosy antics. — Feeling Violated

Dear Violated: How violating and bizarre this woman’s behavior is, indeed. Your feelings are totally valid.

If you are comfortable, confront her one-on-one. Let her know, as you have in your letter, that her disclosure of such personal information is both invasive and highly inappropriate. If necessary, look to your company’s HR department for support in this matter. I’m confident they’ll agree this crosses many boundaries and will be happy to help resolve the situation.

Read more Dear Annie and other advice columns.

“How Can I Forgive My Cheating Partner?” is out now! Annie Lane’s second anthology — featuring favorite columns on marriage, infidelity, communication and reconciliation — is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit Creators Publishing for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to [email protected].