DEAR Abby:
I carpool with a friend to work and have been picking her up every day since it’s on my way and she doesn’t drive. A few times we’ve been late, and our company has a protocol for tardiness. My supervisor doesn’t closely track our team’s timestamps, so she rarely noticed when I was late.
My friend’s supervisor, however, noticed her fourth late arrival and gave her a formal warning, as per protocol. When she received the warning, she asked if her supervisor also planned to warn me, since we arrive together every day.
I found this request uncomfortable and explained my feelings to her on our ride home, but she thought it was reasonable that both of us be accountable since we’re always late. After that, I decided to stop giving her rides and focus on being punctual every day.
Now she barely speaks to me. I don’t regret prioritizing my own responsibilities, but I know her commute is difficult.
Am I being too harsh? Should I let this issue affect our friendship?
— Corporate Carpool