Never dealt with a nasty coworker before -please help?

Question

I've been working for about a year, and for the first time I find myself in the same office with someone who, apparently, enjoys s******g with me. She has been rude, to say the least. Ignoring my good morning's and refusing to speak to me unless she deems it unavoidable. At one point she asked me to get some information for her, but when I tried to give it to her, she turned her back on me and left the room! She has also found small ways to disrupt my work, but when I brought these to our boss's attention, he looked at me like I was a raving lunatic (which, by that point, I have to admit I was). Then she ate my lunch and claimed she thought it was hers. The boss responded by telling me that he completely believed me, of course, but to put my name on things in the future. He's told me that he'd prefer not to get involved, and that we kids will just have to learn to play nice.

I have simply never been in this situation and I would like some advice on how to deal with it.

Thanks.

Answer 1

I was in my nice, amicable mood as I opened your question and I was really trying to think of positive ways to deal with the situation.  That was until I read about her stealing your lunch.

I'm thinking it's time for you to bring some cockroach cupcakes, labeled for you only, and let nature take it's course.

Answer 2

Just stay on the high road, she might be trying to provoke you.

Maybe you could give her a Bible and tell her that you have been praying for her.

Myself? Well, I'll get violated if I tell you what I would do.

Answer 3

Just ignore her. I learned the hard way. I have been forced to work with the same guy for the last 6 years and he is a total t**t. I get really nervous and appear a bit stupid when being bullied. But eventually I had enough and started being brave and answering him back and smiling crudley at him from time to time. It worked I still hate the guy but have no trouble with him now.

Answer 4

i would go straight up to her and let her know how u feel and that she 2 can play at this game

Answer 5

Eww, that makes me mad just reading it.  If I were to have some crazed **** try to run over me at work I would go off.  I'm the supreme ***** at my work place but I'm a ***** in a good way.  I get along with people but I demand a lot of my fellow employees and I don't take c**p from anyone.  

Basically, you need to stand up to that **** faced w***e and let her know that you ain't taking any more c**p!  Otherwise, she'll just run over you.  Look her dead in the eyes and tell her to start treating you with respect unless she wants a war that she will ultimately LOSE.

Let it out.

Answer 6

dont play nice then. ignore her the same way she does u.... im not suggesting u get nasty, but if she needs info tell her ur 2 busy and shell hafta get it elsewhere.... quit tellin her hello etc...

Answer 7

Give her a taste of her own medicine, if she eats your lunch eat hers, if she disrupts your work do the same etc.

She is probably treating you this way because she has a crush on you and this is her way of showing it......if that's not the case then she's jealous of you..why..who knows...only you can answer that...Irritate her by accusing her of being in love with you and this is why she is being mean that will hurt her more than anything. Hope that helps

Answer 8

How many jobs have you had? Honestly, these are minor complaints. I have worked in places where they steal your stapler, and will replace your printer cartridges with empty ones.

The EEOC have rules against unpleasant work environments. Honestly, you have three choices; either figure out what their problem is (be a friend, maybe read a pshyc book or two), ignoring them, or find another job. Whatever you do, maintain a level head an don't get emotional. Your supervisor has probably had to deal with "serious" conflicts when so and so stole my pen, and doesn't want to hear about it. So unless an occasional plate of brownies will smooth it over, I'd start looking for another place to work. Don't quit  till you have a new job, and when you tell your supervisor why  you are leaving, explain (nicely) that unacceptable coworker behavior lead you to another place of employment.

Answer 9

Don't speak to her unless she speaks first...don't acknowledge her in any way.  If she requests info...get it and just put it on her desk without saying anything.  Keep your lunch with you (at your desk, in your purse, etc...make sure to carry non-perishable foods.   If there are others in the office...speak directly to them..."Good morning Jane and Jen", but not to the nasty one.  She will soon get your point.  It sucks to have to work with someone like this...but sometimes you have to play their game

Answer 10

Speak to your boss again, and tell him that if the situation is not rectified, you will be forced to contact his superiors, or if it is a larger company, Human Resources.  If someone else's behavior is disrupting your ability to do your job, then it is harrassment.  By the way, you might mention in the nicest way that is is his JOB to get involved.  That's why he gets the big bucks.

Answer 11

Buy some tuna cat food and make yourself a sandwich for lunch.. just sit back and laugh...  I have no idea what kind of place you work at.. .but you can always consider leaving.

Answer 12

dont sink as low as her. just make it clear, that you are not to be messed with. she wants info? tell her that your busy and she needs to get it herself. dont make yourself available to fall into her traps. and if she eats your lunch again, then next day, bring in your lunch as usual, but rub meat juice all over it, and wait until she eats it. not only will that teach her to stay away from your lunch, but it will make her sick, so you wont have to see her for a few days:)

Answer 13

Give her a dose of her own medicine. lf she doesn't want to speak with you, don't speak to her at all. Discuss things about the office and nothing more. lf she eats your lunch again, charge her (with interest if she refuses). Don't greet her in the mornings. Perform your tasks well so the boss will praise your work. Never let her get into you. The problem is her and not you.

Answer 14

Make a chocolate cake with laxatives and leave it around for her to eat. MWAHAHAHAHA