Coworkers and their kids
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Anonymous
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How do I tell a coworker to stop talking to me about her kids? It's to the point now that I want to just flat out say "STFU already" but clearly I can't do that. And if she says "you remind me of my daughter" again, I'm going to scream.
I don't have kids but even if I did, I'm not going to discuss them 8 hours a day, 5 days a week like she does. |
Anonymous
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Can you wear headphones while working?
Stay really focused on what you're working on and just asy "Mmmhmmm" as she is talking? Hope she gets the point? When she says "You remind me of my daughter," say "That's funny, you remind me of my grandmother!" Seriously though, what kind of job/work environment? Cubicle farm? Interacting with customers? Any way to get away from her? |
Anonymous
| You should interrupt her while she's talking and say that whatever she's saying reminds you of something else and take over the conversation. Talk endlessly about some nonsense and when she starts to walk away say that you were going to get up and continue talking. Do this three times in a row and she'll start thinking you're self-absorbed and annoying. |
Anonymous
I do wear earbuds and you'd think she'd get the hint but nope. She taps on my desk or side of my cube to get my attention. And no, I can't get away from as much as I like. No one in the office really speaks to her so I guess she thinks we can be friends or something.......no thanks. I'm closer to her kids age than her and the only thing we really have in common is we're both from a military background. |
Anonymous
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Tell her, "Sorry, I really need to focus on this report for the accounting department," or whatever.
Or tell her about the (imaginary) cat you just got that (coincidentally) has the same name as her daughter, and then talk endlessly about your cat. Become a crazy cat lady. You'll drive her away. Unless she is a cat lady too, in which case, be a dog person. |
Anonymous
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Ugh, I hate those bores. |
Anonymous
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If she says "You remind me of my daughter" you can say "Yes, you've told me that before, Larla."
There is no polite way to shut someone up. But you can tell her you need to run to the bathroom, that your boss needs to see you, etc. |
Anonymous
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Larla, don't you have work to do? I need to work, I don't have time for chit chat.
Who cares if it's rude? She's going to go to the boss and say: Jane is so rude to me, I was telling her howmuch she reminds me of my kids and she asked if I had no work to do and told me she had tons...seriously...if it bothers you that much tell your boss you're going to shut her out so she's warned... |
Anonymous
Tell her you find it offensive that you are comparing her to her daughter. Also have an adult conversation and let her know that during work hours you would prefer to keep the conversation to work-related topics. It is distracting to talk about her family life and you are finding that you aren't producing you best quality work. Or make up something like it makes you sad to hear her talk about her family because it reminds you of your difficult childhood. Or just avoid her and walk away when she starts with the family chatter. |
Anonymous
| Let me guess, one of two work environments: Government job or non-profit agency? |
Anonymous
LOL, yes you're correct, govt job |
Anonymous
| I would take out the earbuds and give her 5 minutes of undivided attention before turning back to my screen and saying uhun, yep... every so often. I've done this before. Most people will say oh I see you're busy or just end the conversation. Clueless people will keep talking but that's ok because I'm still getting work done. |
Anonymous
Guessing that on a forum for DC Jobs and Careers is like guessing that someone from China has dark hair and eyes. |
Anonymous
| Don't mention her children, just gentle remind her that you need to get to work. Maybe be self deprecating about it and say you don't want to get behind again. |
Anonymous
| Pick up your phone whenever she walks by. |