I started my new job maybe four months ago now, and generally things have been absolutely tip-top. I'm having a fantastic time, and such is my insidious nature I've befriended a fair whack of the company - they're all brilliant and have made me feel welcome.

One guy in particular *was* the nicest of the lot, but out of literally nowhere has gone uber snide and started being openly aggressive with me - I literally can't breathe without taking flack from him. The worst thing about him is that he's *almost*, but not quite, witty. So every little quip is slightly painful, while also slightly getting to me.

I have been told that the animosity is down to me befriending a lass here that he has a massively over-zealous boner for (he's too much of a weed to ever ask her out, just goes mental if anyone else talks to her) so I understand it.

Here's the big question, then: I'm technically his boss, although it's different departments but I hold pretty high seniority here. As a manager, do I just not worry about it and take the higher ground, or do I slap it down now and go for a 'chat' with this prick?

I'm new to management situations in a company like this, so I need a bit of advice. Obviously, DiS is the only place I would think of asking. I don't want to come across as a bastard, but it's possibly more damaging just letting all the shittyness stand.

I already know your answer: stop overthinking it, you girl.

BUT, how do YOU deal with insubordinates?