How do I deal with an extremely annoying coworker?

Question

ok so i'm an intern in the legal department of a popular hotel chain and there's another female intern in the same department.. we're almost the same age.. she's one year older and we work on many assignments together however, since i started the job she has been getting on my nerves.. from talking all the time.. i mean ALL THE TIME.. to saying im rude because i dont respond to what she's saying to interrupting me when im doing work in my cubicle.. she never fails to stop annoying me, however this week it has gotten worse she's more annoying than ever talking more, interrupting me more and even hitting me on the arm to " get my attention".. idk what to do.. it's my first job and i'm new to the whole workplace enviroment.

Answer 1

First of all, it would probably be good (since you've already tried to ignore you and she's hitting you) to level with her. Acknowledge that she enjoys talking but tell her that you are different and that you enjoy being quiet and not always talking. Say apologetically that that's just the way you are and shrug your shoulders. Don't make it personal, don't put her down for being annoying (even though she sounds like my worst nightmare). Just be professional and stick to your guns.

Answer 2

I would just be honest with her and let her know that her excessive talking is interfering with you getting your work done. Tell her in a serious tone or she may not take you seriously. Also let her know that your intentions were not to hurt her feelings but that you don't want to get in trouble for poor work performance due to talking. If she is a normal human being she should understand.

Answer 3

Ask her to have lunch or coffee break and then tell her during that time (after a few minutes of chatting).  Say, I wanted to let you know that I'm not trying to be rude or mean - but, I am the type that really needs to focus when I am on a job, especially a new one.  So, please if it's not absolutely necessary to speak to me, please hold your questions or comments until (and choose a couple of good chunks of times during the day) to talk to me.  I always make it a point to set aside some time.....blah blah blah.  Make it about you, not her.  Tell her it is absolutely nothing personal (even though it is).  You might have to throw her a bone and commit to one lunch a week with her to "catch up".  Hope this is a suggestion you can use at least part of.  

In Law especially (used to work in a firm) - you don't want to "waste" a lot of potential billable time - people notice and they will fire the slackers.

Answer 4

change jobs or report her

Answer 5

Say simply that you need to work and cannot talk of matters not work related.

Answer 6

First, try telling her that you'd prefer if she doesn't hit you, even if it is to just get your attention.  Everybody doesn't like being touched.  When she tells you that you're being rude, tell her that when you're concentrating on your work, you tend to block out everything else.  When she talks and you don't want to listen to her, leave the area.  If you do these things often enough she'll get the message; however, if she continues after you've told her you may have to talk to your supervisor about it.  You're being judged on how you perform your duties and if something is interrupting that it needs to be stopped.

Answer 7

You can always send her an email and tell her how you feel.

Explain how it's your first job and you don't want to be fired for

talking instead of working.

If that doesn't work, chat with the supervisor or some such person in higher authority and explain the problem.

As long as it's not her mother or a relative. -:

You can always ask for a transfer to another department.

And if you're asked why you want to switch tell your story.