When you return to the office, your conversation with a colleague might go something like this: Colleague: “How was Hawaii?” You: “The sky was a perfect sapphire blue, and the sea was crystal clear. To put it mildly, it was the best vacation of my life ever.” When you return to the office, your conversation with a colleague might go something like this: Colleague: “How was Hawaii?” You: “The sky was a perfect sapphire blue, and the sea was crystal clear. To put it mildly, it was the best vacation of my life ever.”

When you return to the office, your conversation with a colleague might go something like this: Colleague: “How was Hawaii?” You: “The sky was a perfect sapphire blue and the sea was crystal clear. Putting it mildly, it was the best vacation of my life.” When you return to the office, your conversation with a colleague might go something like this: Colleague: “How was Hawaii?” You: “The sky was a perfect sapphire blue and the sea was crystal clear. Putting it mildly, it was the best vacation of my life.”

The phrase “the best vacation of my life ever” is redundant. “Of my life” already implies the superlative, so removing “ever” makes the sentence more natural.

Putting it mildly, it was the best vacation of my life ever.” However in Japan, things work a bit differently. Putting it mildly, it was the best vacation of my life ever.” However in Japan, things work a bit differently.

I think there's definitely some cultural differences amongst English speakers on this one too. I think Americans would say something like this, but in Ireland, such a high level of positivity might be taken to be insincere.

Putting it mildly, it was the best vacation of my life ever.” However, in Japan, things work a bit differently. However, in Japan, things work a bit differently.

Putting it mildly, it was the best vacation of my life ever.” However, in Japan, things work a bit differently. However, in Japan, things work a bit differently.

A comma was added after “However” in the next sentence because it is an introductory adverb, and proper punctuation makes the sentence smoother to read.

UsingWhen you use paid leave means, your coworkers have to cover your workload while you’re away, so it’s common to feel apologetic for the extra burden you’ve placed on them. When you use paid leave, your coworkers have to cover your workload while you’re away, so it’s common to feel apologetic for the extra burden you’ve placed on them.

For that reason, it’s not mandatory—but often appreciated—to bring back a box of sweets or other small souvenirs as a thank-you (or apology) to the people who filled in for you. For that reason, it’s not mandatory—but often appreciated—to bring back a box of sweets or other small souvenirs as a thank-you (or apology) to the people who filled in for you.

Bringing back snacks is definitely a thing here too.

For that reason, it’s not mandatory—but often appreciated—to bring back a box of sweets or other small souvenirs as a thank-you, (or apology), to the people who filled in for you. For that reason, it’s not mandatory—but often appreciated—to bring back a box of sweets or other small souvenirs as a thank-you, or apology, to the people who filled in for you.

For that reason, it’s not mandatory—but often appreciated—to bring back a box of sweets or other small souvenirs as a thank-you (or apology) to the peoplfor those who filled in for you. For that reason, it’s not mandatory—but often appreciated—to bring back a box of sweets or other small souvenirs as a thank-you (or apology) for those who filled in for you.

The phrase “to the people who filled in for you” was adjusted to “for those who filled in for you” to make it more concise and formal. Both are grammatically correct, but the revision sounds more natural in written English.

(Because of cultural differences, foreigners in Japan aren’t usually expected to follow this custom so rigorously.) Because of cultural differences, foreigners in Japan aren’t usually expected to follow this custom so rigorously.

In practice, even if your Hawaiian getaway was amazing, the chat with your Japanese colleague might actually go more like this: Colleague: “How was Hawaii?” You: “The hotel was jam-packed, and getting to the beach was a nightmare because the traffic snarljam was going nowhere fast. Oh man, it was rough. I’m totally wiped out...” In practice, even if your Hawaiian getaway was amazing, the chat with your Japanese colleague might actually go more like this: Colleague: “How was Hawaii?” You: “The hotel was jam-packed, and getting to the beach was a nightmare because the traffic jam was going nowhere fast. Oh man, it was rough. I’m totally wiped out...”

In practice, even if your Hawaiian getaway was amazing, the chat with your Japanese colleague might actually go more like this: Colleague: “How was Hawaii?” You: “The hotel was jam-packed, and getting to the beach was a nightmare because the traffic snarljam was going nowhere fast. Oh man, it was rough. I’m totally wiped out...” In practice, even if your Hawaiian getaway was amazing, the chat with your Japanese colleague might actually go more like this: Colleague: “How was Hawaii?” You: “The hotel was jam-packed, and getting to the beach was a nightmare because the traffic jam was going nowhere fast. Oh man, it was rough. I’m totally wiped out...”

“traffic snarl” was replaced with “traffic jam” because “traffic jam” is far more commonly used and easily understood by most readers.

I’m totally wiped out...” This modest, problem-focused exchange is a typical example of workplace banter in Japan. This modest, problem-focused exchange is a typical example of workplace banter in Japan.

I’m totally wiped out...” This modest, problem-focused exchange is a typical example of workplace banter in Japan. This modest, problem-focused exchange is a typical example of workplace banter in Japan.