One of our readers sent in this situation: There’s a person in his business who often replies to emails with “TLDR.” I didn’t know what that meant, but it means, “Too long, didn’t read.”

First of all, that response isn’t exactly the best, or most polite, option. Second, we can learn from every situation, so what can we learn from this?

• Keep emails short, to the point, and with an appropriate subject line.

• When you have something long to send, keep the email short and link it to a separate document, spreadsheet, or article that includes the full details.

• When you receive an email that makes you want to respond with “TLDR,” instead write back, “Let’s schedule a call” or “Let me know a time that works for you to explain your point of view to me.” Or perhaps, “Can we bring this up at our regular task force meeting? I will put it on the agenda.”

For more tips on handling email dilemmas, consult this tip sheet. If your entire organization could benefit from email standardization, I would be happy to schedule a training session on the topic.

I thank all of you for sending in your real workplace dramas! With your help and your colleagues’ antics, I will never run out of content.