While it may feel fair in the moment, mirroring the behaviour doesn’t solve the issue. It can reinforce tension and create a workplace dynamic where avoidance replaces communication, which rarely improves relationships or workplace culture.

Talking about the situation with others can quickly turn into gossip and may damage trust within the team. It also risks escalating the issue without giving Pooja a chance to explain or resolve the misunderstanding directly.

Option C is the preferred choice because it is calm, mature, and focused on solving the problem. It deals with the issue directly by talking to the person involved and trying to understand what’s going on. This approach gives the best chance to fix the conflict and build a positive working relationship.

Escalating the issue before attempting a direct conversation can make a small interpersonal concern seem like a formal conflict. Supervisors are better when involved after reasonable efforts have been made to address the situation respectfully between colleagues.