Personal vs. Personnel

Yes, they sound very similar... and are even spelled almost alike. What gets me is that many of my personnel over the years can't (or don't want to) understand the line that differentiates the two very separate things. Now those of you independently wealthy folk or those who work for themselves may not get where this is going. If not (or if you're bored already), you have my blessing to skip the rest and surf to your merriment. This might be a cool place to start.

I draw a line when it comes to personnel and personal. It's none of my personnel's business what's going on in my personal life outside the confines of the workplace:

Q: How are you today?
A: I'm fine.

That's it... end of discussion. If I had wanted to share anymore then I would have. Sometimes I will bring more to the table, but that will be of my own volition and not by prodding or inquiring more. In fact, questioning will generally bring a total shut down and a swift end to the conversation. I'll be nice about it... but it will end right there. I'm not heartless, but I frankly don't care if that reaction offends them. Some get it... and they are usually the ones I end up liking more. People who understand boundries and don't cross them get my instant respect.

The frustrating ones surmise (wrongly) that letting it rest for a while and coming back with a different approach is going to work any better. Usually this in the form of a statement, not a question, that is intended to elicit a forthcoming response. Somehow, they think by not asking but speculating that I'll open up to them like a close friend or therapist.

You seem a bit distant (distracted).
You look like you have something on your mind.

Now this ends up being much more annoying. Not once but now twice they've attempted to cross the line. The first time I've been courteous, and as an employer I do have to set an example. A second foray into my personal space and I turn unpleasant. Standard operating procedure is the "I'm fine" response combined with a terse, icy cold look and an awkward silence. It's the kind of look that pierces right through you and is meant to send a chill down the spine of the receiver. (Chances are I learned this one from my mother during numerous trips down the cereal aisle as a child). This almost always works and has the secondary effect of dissuading similar tactics in the near future.

Thinking about it, I have some responsibility for this. As the co-worker that always seems enthused (more background), when I'm curt or non-responsive it encourages further probing. He's not his happy-go-lucky self, there must be something wrong that I can fix. Yet still, personnel should understand that "I'm fine" requires no additional questions. Friends are another matter entirely, but these people are not my friends. I don't go out with them on Saturdays, they've never been to my place, and I certainly don't call them for personal advice on my off time. They are personnel... not personal... and the two shall not meet anytime soon.