My co worker is a 70+ year old woman. She has never liked me, asked the boss why I was there on my first day within my ear shot and has made other remarks.
So I figured I would be respectful and kind, so she could get to know me and realise Im actually ok. We were getting along really well, I was enjoying her company, she can get grumpy, but all was going ok.
Then she spoke to my boss, sharing a message I had sent her ( the message was friendly and the intention was to offer help that was all. She never told me she had received it or discussed it with me) , accusing me of trying to take her job, ( I don't want her job. Too many early mornings!) and also told him I was asking too many personal questions. I deliberately do not ask her any personal questions.
It felt awful, like a betrayal of sorts. I was really upset. I understand the no personal stuff at work, but she was sharing some personal stuff with me. I didn't share anything about her outside of work cause that's not my business.
So last time we worked together, I only talked to her when I had to about work related stuff. She seemed hurt but I don't know what else to do! I feel bad, I miss talking to her, but I also feel betrayed. And I don't want to risk getting hurt again.
Please help!
Co-worker trouble.
Co-worker trouble.
Posted in:
Life Lessons
4 Replies
A friendship with her seems like it might be more trouble than it's worth.
Personally, I'd keep conversation professional and work related, maybe polite small talk at best.
I'm pretty ruthless in this respect though.
Wow, so she is out to get your fired and you want to be her friend? Keep your distance
You're doing the right thing, she can't have it both ways. You're there to work and she obviously is trying to find small things to get you in trouble. Just do your job and keep a diary of when you work with her, noting any personal stuff she's told you and your response.
She can't have it both ways!
You can't expect someone to be friendly with you and then go behind their back and bitch about them to the boss. Surely she would have known the repercussions of her actions... She's a 70yo woman!
If I were you I would go and speak with your boss and just let them know you're having a few issues and what you intend to do about it (ie not talking to her unless business related), just so they have a heads up in case any further complaints come from it. I found I always prefer to over communicate with my boss, that way if something goes astray they already knew what was going down.