my colleague is a nut job but i feel threatened

Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:OP here. i don't understand the confusion but let me clarify.

I started there in September. She was fine in September. In October I heard she was talking about me but no details. This went on for months but I didn't address it. In the last couple of months I have gone out of my way to speak to her and be polite and thought it was my imagination that she didn't speak back so I asked her what the problem was. She said she didn't like the way I walked around like I owned the place or some other nonsense.

We are both black. I weigh less, yes, and I am new.



That might be the problem. So she doesn't like you and is rude. Okay you can deal with that. But the line is crossed if she's talking about you in a negative way to other coworkers. That is an attack to your reputation, which is particularly damaging if you're new. She is creating a hostile environment for you. You may want to talk to your supervisor and find out options you can take.


Sorry, no. A "hostile work environment" is a legal term that means your work environment is intolerable based on your race, gender or other protected category. It doesn't mean some coworker doesn't like you and has said so.
Anonymous
OP, you may be coming across "better than thou" for whatever reason. All people come from differing socio-economic backgrounds and percieve certain signals (that we all send) as obnoxious and phony. I suggest she (as you have stated) doesn't know you. Take 10 mins, invite her to have a coffee/tea with you. Don't talk about "what her problem is," be friendly. Find some common ground about tv shows, children, the weekend - whatever. You may find that ppl like this can be very helpful at work if you guys (gals) are cool.

Point being, as professionals we have find ways to be genuine and at have working relationships at work, this little exercise can be valuable in your future roles.

At least you would have a better understanding of where she is coming from, then you can manage accordingly. Also, don't be stuck up because you are petite and pretty.
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