The Birthday Present That Changed How I Saw My Coworkers

For my birthday last year, a coworker I didn’t know very well, Jenna, gave me a beautiful gold necklace. We weren’t close, so I was genuinely touched by the gesture.I wore it everywhere — to work, dinners, even dates. It became my favorite accessory, and whenever someone complimented it, I’d smile and say, “It was a gift from a coworker.”

Months later, while cleaning it, I noticed a tiny engraving on the back: “Office Joke.”Confused, I mentioned it at work the next day. My coworkers exchanged awkward glances until one finally admitted the truth: the necklace was part of an old “office tradition,” a prank where it was given to someone they didn’t think would last at the company.

I was stunned and embarrassed. I’d been wearing what I thought was a thoughtful gift, not realizing it was a joke behind my back.The next day, I wore the necklace proudly to our team meeting. When everyone settled, I stood up and said, “I know about the ‘office joke.’ Since I’m clearly here to stay, I’ll be keeping it as my good luck charm.”

The room went silent, then a few people laughed nervously. The prank was never mentioned again, and Jenna later apologized to me privately.today, I still wear the necklace — not as a reminder of the prank, but as proof that I turned something hurtful into a story of resilience.Now, when people compliment it, I simply smile and say, “Thanks. It has quite a history.”