Q: Since I bought my condo, a friend I have known for years has become a real estate agent. I decided to sell my condo, and I was upfront and told her why it would not be good for me to use her.

I live in a building where a resident real estate agent lives and has the majority of the listings. By doing this, she takes clients to see all of the units so they get a feel for the building. Sometimes people don't view units because the photos are not appealing, and sometimes the other agents are never available when it's convenient. After explaining all of this to her, she did not care and will not talk to me.

Agents make thousands on just one sale, and I think that her acting as if I owe that to her is crazy. What do you think of this kind of business expectation?

A: This type of expectation is outrageous. It's like a child throwing a temper tantrum when the parent doesn't give in to what the child wants. Your concerns about losing a sale are legitimate, and sadly, your friend sounds self-centered for not caring or understanding your reasons.

The real estate field has experienced extreme highs and lows, and requiring you to be her income provider crosses over the boundary of friendship. If she is to succeed long term in the industry, she will have to learn the business tactics for attracting clients, which should not be based on threats or entitlement. An inexperienced agent can make drastic errors that the seller has to live with in the end. You are the one with a lot to lose.

There are many other reasons for not using your friend, as well as the ones you told her. Doing business with friends often ends in broken friendships. Your condo will very likely be the biggest sale of your life. You need to be in control of it, as you would with any business venture in which your funds are involved.

Selling a residential property also involves many personal feelings and can lead to petty disagreements and even major arguments. She sounds like the type of person who would insist on her way whether or not you agree with it, which would not end in your satisfaction.

Choosing the major listing agent for the building sounds like your best choice. Your goal is to sell, so it's in your best interest to have as many showings as needed to find that buyer. Perhaps you are lucky your friend became an agent; you now have a clearer vision of her lack of maturity and finesse.

What to Do When Co-worker Turns On Co-worker

Q: I recommended a teacher friend at a school where I teach. She had trouble in other jobs, so I went out of my way to build her up and help her get the job. She did, but within the first year, she turned against me and said horrible things about me. It was so bad that she moved out of our group office. I am in shock that she could do this, especially after all I have done for her. Any suggestions?

A: Don't let this feud continue. Calm yourself and speak to her face to face. Ask what caused her change in behavior. Once you discuss it, you can decide whether she is off mentally or you did something so offensive she could not control spewing her anger. Either way, you must resolve it.

Email your questions to workplace expert Lindsey Novak at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter @I_truly_care. To find out more about Lindsey Novak and to read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Website at www.creators.com.