My Big Mess-Up at Work and Why My Co-Worker Is Still Probably Mad At Me

So, there I was last week, planning what I thought would be the perfect prank to celebrate my colleague Mark's one-year work anniversary. Mark is that guy who always follows the rules down to a T, super organized and never late for meetings. It felt like he needed a little fun in his life, but honestly, it could have gone so much better. Anyway, I had this idea: I would hide some of his favorite candy in his desk drawer, leaving a note saying 'Happy Anniversary from a Secret Admirer.' It was meant to be sweet and simple. But then, my brain decided to play one last trick on me right as I left the office, an impulse hit that made me write, ‘...or maybe it's because you smell like old coffee?’ on the back of the note. I swear, when I got in Monday morning and saw Mark's face, it was a mix of horror and disbelief. He seemed genuinely hurt, and who could blame him? My heart sank as he pulled me aside to talk about how unappreciative that kind of joke felt after a whole year of being his friend at work. Looking back on it now, I feel like maybe I should have just stuck to the original plan. But here's the thing, I'm not sure if Mark is still annoyed with me or if he’s just waiting for an apology. So, here's my confession: despite trying to play a joke that was meant to be harmless, I ended up being the asshole who hurt someone's feelings in their own special way. I'm hoping this whole experience teaches me something important about kindness and friendship, maybe even a little bit of self-reflection on when pranks go too far. But right now? Mostly just feeling guilty and waiting for Mark to give me another chance.