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AIBU?

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AIBU to suspect a colleague’s behaviour may relate to my nationality?

209 replies

oneofthems · 12/09/2026 08:21

I have a colleague who is new to our function, although not new to the company, and from fairly early on I had the sense that something was quite off in her attitude towards me.

I hope people know what I mean. Nothing you can formally put your finger on, but a pattern of small things. Meetings I am left out of, emails that don't get forwarded, deliverables I am only brought into at the last possible moment. We are at the same level.

Every individual micro incident is absolutely in nothing to see here territory. Taken together (been six month) they paint quite a clear picture.

I thought I'd make a very intentional effort to build bridges. I looked at her public social media to see whether there was anything we might have in common, I don't know, something very innocent, a first step. Dogs, travel, hobbies, sport, whatever. Her own feed is very mainstream, mostly food, travel, family events and fashion, occasionally some local news reposted.

However, I discovered that her partner, whom she publicly tags as being in a relationship with, has a very specific prejudice against people of my birth nationality.

To anonymise this, imagine I'm Argentinian (I'm not), with apologies to any Argentinians reading. More than 50% of his posts are things (mostly reposts, with some crazy conspiracy-theory shit) along the lines of "deport all Argentinians back to Brazil if Argentina is so bad for them ", reposting crimes no matter how minor committed anywhere in the world by Argentinians, "lock Milei, lock Milei" protests, stats on Argentinian corruption, or claims that Argentinians are all Nazi descendants and shouldn't be allowed into the UK. I am actually surprised some of what he reposts is not automatically flagged by algorithms as hate speech.

Neither he nor she appears to have any connection whatsoever to Argentina that I can work out, or even to anywhere in South America, which somehow makes the fixation even stranger.

I OBVIOUSLY know his views aren't automatically hers, and I certainly don't want to hold someone responsible in my head for everything their partner posts. There were views my partners held that I didn't, and vice versa. Still.

AIBU to wonder whether I found the reason?

OP posts:
MidsummerMadness91 · 12/09/2026 10:09

You're not unreasonable to suspect the link but colleagues can be dicks for all sorts of reasons. I'd screenshot the stuff you found but would avoid making a formal link unless she slips up. All you can really evidence for now is that she's (at best) incompetent and it needs addressing. Don't try and befriend her though, it won't work and will make you feel small.

Weeellokthen · 12/09/2026 10:08

UnwillingAdvocate · 12/09/2026 08:40

Not necessarily. Anti Israeli Government policy views and Anti Semitism are not the same thing.

Guess you don't live in the UK then because there is a lot of stupid people here who believe it is the same thing 🙄

HoraceCope · 12/09/2026 10:05

we dont all share our partner's views but the rest of her actions speak to you

dealbreaker555 · 12/09/2026 10:04
  1. check your work social media policy, take screen shots and anonymously report if any violated, or even if not, most of time there is a reputation element depending on what is being shared, surely there is a client reputation element
  2. speaks to manager in totally deniable conversation I’m so concerned about x, she is always lfive days behind in her emails.. feel so bad even mentioning but she must need support. For the 5th time I worked the weekend to make up for a lack of notice. It obviously wouldn’t just won’t me….I didn’t want to say anything but genuinely starting to get soo concerned (and of course have the reciepts)
  3. Around time manager has time to have think about this she/he will also hear from hr about her fb activity…
Luckydog7 · 12/09/2026 09:57

Radioheads · 12/09/2026 09:51

OP, you must keep detailed notes but also start logging each of these incidents with her.
She thinks you haven't joined the dots, let her know that you have.

Next time it happens, specifically reference each and every time this has happened and ask that she requests work in a timely manner, not last minute.

You could also check with other staff if they get them last minute.
If not you can note that you have checked it out with colleagues.

Take screenshots of her partners posts.

Edited

Yes quite.

You could start 'helpfully' offering advice to aid her organisation skills. Eg Forming email groups so that you are not missed off the cc list.

'Oh Janet you've done it again, did you not manage to action my suggestion? I can show you if you like!?'

Kill her with kindness.

Luckydog7 · 12/09/2026 09:53

Hm. I think I would start gently pushing back so that you have a record of you trying to resolve this yourself and who knows perhaps she will out herself.

'Dear colleague, please ensure that you include me at the start along with everyone else so that I can complete the work in good time.'

'Dear colleague, the project deadline will need to be extended to Monday as I was only informed this morning. Please inform the client and cc me in or I can let them know myself. In future I will need more notice.'

Make it seem like you are questioning her competance rather then her motives.

Either she will change her behaviour as she's concerned about how it makes her look or you will then end up with a number of messages archived from you asking her to include you, contact you, 'helping' her by reminding her to do things on time etc.

At this point I would consider going to HR for an informal chat. That you have tried to gently correct her behaviour but now you are concerned that you have been singled out for some reason as you have x examples of treatment only against you. You have recently 'by chance' seen that her partner hold these views and fear that this may be the reason.

You know your work place better then us so only you can judge how your HR would deal with this. Say to HR you wanted to raise the issue in case things escalated and are seeking their advice about next steps.

Radioheads · 12/09/2026 09:51

OP, you must keep detailed notes but also start logging each of these incidents with her.
She thinks you haven't joined the dots, let her know that you have.

Next time it happens, specifically reference each and every time this has happened and ask that she requests work in a timely manner, not last minute.

You could also check with other staff if they get them last minute.
If not you can note that you have checked it out with colleagues.

Take screenshots of her partners posts.

Agrumpyknitter · 12/09/2026 09:45

Document everything, respond via email. If you are left out of things and there’s a delay in doing the task then email her and cc your manager on the third time. Say this keeps happening what can we do to help you make sure this doesn’t happen again. Keep the language neutral.
Frame it as her incompetence as you don’t have proof it’s racially motivated.

NoTimeForThisShit · 12/09/2026 09:43

Octavia64 · 12/09/2026 09:31

hmm.

how would she know your nationality?

I have worked in schools in Cambridge where many teachers are from different countries and one held four passports.

I doubt it’s your nationality per se.

Really? Not even russia/Ukraine or Israel?
Do you live in a bubble?

BringaBintarongAlong · 12/09/2026 09:40

Hey OP, I think your gut is probably right. The downside is unless your employer is big time into acknowledging and addressing micro aggressions you may not get much by raising it. As shown by the comments its not a thing everyone gets the impact of. (Altho tbh some of your examples are direct action to discredit you)
I would go with what you are probably already doing, directly responding w v neutral 'hi can you let me know why I was not on the meeting invitation?', asking questions rather than statements you must be included; so you look curious and constructive not reactive and stroppy.
By continually asking for an explanation you may make them rethink. And if they continue you can then bounce it up and ask for some clarity from above and you still appear to be someone who is professional, keen to work well with colleagues and get the job done.
(Whereas in reality you are refusing to get drawn into the nasty fuckers game) (apologies if you are not a swearer 😆 )

oneofthems · 12/09/2026 09:39

ClairDeLaLune · 12/09/2026 09:33

I am actually surprised some of what he reposts is not automatically flagged by algorithms as hate speech. If it’s Facebook, they don’t give a shit. I frequently report stuff on there that I’d deem as hate speech and my reports never get upheld. It’s thoroughly depressing.

I think you’ve hit the nail on the head OP, and I’m sorry this is happening to you, and sorry for the way this country is heading thanks to the thick racist but very vocal minority and those that stoke hatred for their own political gain.

Yes it is Facebook.

OP posts:
oneofthems · 12/09/2026 09:39

Lexibletheflexible · 12/09/2026 09:12

TBH, I've known a few South Americans who have a real issue with Argentinians so I think you might be right.

For the avoidance of doubt, nobody in this story is actually South American or Argentinian. That was purely a placeholder.

There are some nationalities or communities where, for historical or political reasons, I wouldn't be particularly surprised to encounter fairly widespread hostility towards people of my origin, just as you say. Neither she nor her partner appears to belong to, or have even a distant connection with, any of those groups.

OP posts:
ClairDeLaLune · 12/09/2026 09:33

I am actually surprised some of what he reposts is not automatically flagged by algorithms as hate speech. If it’s Facebook, they don’t give a shit. I frequently report stuff on there that I’d deem as hate speech and my reports never get upheld. It’s thoroughly depressing.

I think you’ve hit the nail on the head OP, and I’m sorry this is happening to you, and sorry for the way this country is heading thanks to the thick racist but very vocal minority and those that stoke hatred for their own political gain.

oneofthems · 12/09/2026 09:32

Octavia64 · 12/09/2026 09:31

hmm.

how would she know your nationality?

I have worked in schools in Cambridge where many teachers are from different countries and one held four passports.

I doubt it’s your nationality per se.

She asked pretty much on the first day?

OP posts:
Octavia64 · 12/09/2026 09:31

hmm.

how would she know your nationality?

I have worked in schools in Cambridge where many teachers are from different countries and one held four passports.

I doubt it’s your nationality per se.

oneofthems · 12/09/2026 09:29

Itwontbelong · 12/09/2026 09:26

I agree. Is it not much more likely she sees you as a professional threat and so is doing this to make you look incompetent?

Not really. We work on the same projects and for the same clients, but in different capacities. For example, I might lead the analytics side while she leads project management. We're not competing with each other at all. If anything, it's even very much in both our interests for the other person to do their job well.

OP posts:
WellThatsNotAGrowthMindset · 12/09/2026 09:29

oneofthems · 12/09/2026 08:57

For example, fresh off the fire. A client emailed mid week asking for something by the end of the week, something specifically delivered by my team, say a piece of research. The email was forwarded to me at 1pm on Friday with, "oh, apologies, I didn't notice there was something for you in here, pls send directly to the client"

Technically? Yes, I received it before the end of the week.

Practically? I'm working today to get it done.

Have I ever made that sort of mistake myself? Of course, who hasn't during busy times. Have I made that same sort of mistake twenty times with one particular colleague, while somehow managing not to do it with anyone else? No.

I am pretty sure I am not imagining it by this point.

Well, this is an easy one to help build a pattern.
I keep all my emails.
You highlight the date time sent, the date work is due and the Sorry.
Forward to yourself.
Count how many times it has happened over a six month period.
Factually, call her out on it, copying to her and your line managers.

Dear Twat
I have met this deadline by working all day Saturday. The request was made Wednesday and forwarded to me yesterday afternoon.
As you can understand, this makes the turn around time very tight indeed.
We all make mistakes however, you have done this to me now eight times in six months [insert dates/clients].
Please try and get any request to me as soon as you receive it in future, so the client remains happy with us.

Kind regards

RappelChoan · 12/09/2026 09:28

I’m so sorry OP you are definitely not wrong. I’ve worked in a very similar environment, it’s almost impossible when you are both senior and their petty pathetic behaviour needs tackling.

In the end I found a role elsewhere which is actually better for several reasons. In hindsight I can see it was a pretty toxic workplace - the leader who set the culture was fairly cruel and that gave permission for others to behave nastily.

I am not going to give you advice like talking to your manager, I know the type of situation. But I send you strength and best wishes.

Itwontbelong · 12/09/2026 09:26

Skinnysaluki · 12/09/2026 09:11

So you think somebody is displaying micro aggressions towards you at work because of their partner’s social media, which you have been stalking? Seems a reach.

I agree. Is it not much more likely she sees you as a professional threat and so is doing this to make you look incompetent?

N0tAnAcadem1c · 12/09/2026 09:22

5128gap · 12/09/2026 09:17

I think you should challenge every micro aggression. "Is there a reason I was only told this yesterday when other people knew on Monday? This puts me at a disadvantage.." etc. By email, every time. There will only be so many times she can pass it off as 'nothing to see' before a pattern shows itself, which you can then take to a manager.
You likely have identified the reason for her behaviour, but there is not enough evidence at this stage to make a case for discrimination on the grounds of nationality given you had to go digging for the indirect discriminatory attitudes, and she hadn't personally revealed them to you.
Focus on her actions rather than motive for now.

This is better expressed than my post - focus on actions not motivations initially.

Teado · 12/09/2026 09:22

Flag the recent “Friday email” problem to your boss on Monday, and give him or her other demonstrable examples as well.

I don’t know whether you should mention the husband’s social media. It seems relevant to me in that it’s likely they have similar views - but it’s not evidence that she shares them.

oneofthems · 12/09/2026 09:20

Skinnysaluki · 12/09/2026 09:11

So you think somebody is displaying micro aggressions towards you at work because of their partner’s social media, which you have been stalking? Seems a reach.

Oh, ffs. I found her, and by extension her partner's, social media yesterday after yet another one of these incidents that has been going on for six months now. I spent about 15 minutes looking at what they'd publicly posted. I haven't been "stalking" him.

OP posts:
N0tAnAcadem1c · 12/09/2026 09:19

oneofthems · 12/09/2026 08:57

For example, fresh off the fire. A client emailed mid week asking for something by the end of the week, something specifically delivered by my team, say a piece of research. The email was forwarded to me at 1pm on Friday with, "oh, apologies, I didn't notice there was something for you in here, pls send directly to the client"

Technically? Yes, I received it before the end of the week.

Practically? I'm working today to get it done.

Have I ever made that sort of mistake myself? Of course, who hasn't during busy times. Have I made that same sort of mistake twenty times with one particular colleague, while somehow managing not to do it with anyone else? No.

I am pretty sure I am not imagining it by this point.

I would be wary of claiming to boss/HR that this is an example of prejudice against you and focus on how she's failing at basics of her job and not getting you involved at right stage.

Highligh that clients are not getting the best because you're repeatedly being called in late. Bosses will be more interested (sadly) on potential income/reputation.

Obviously keep a record and escalate as needed but right now I would focus it as her failing clients.

LuckyHazelFox · 12/09/2026 09:19

5128gap · 12/09/2026 09:17

I think you should challenge every micro aggression. "Is there a reason I was only told this yesterday when other people knew on Monday? This puts me at a disadvantage.." etc. By email, every time. There will only be so many times she can pass it off as 'nothing to see' before a pattern shows itself, which you can then take to a manager.
You likely have identified the reason for her behaviour, but there is not enough evidence at this stage to make a case for discrimination on the grounds of nationality given you had to go digging for the indirect discriminatory attitudes, and she hadn't personally revealed them to you.
Focus on her actions rather than motive for now.

Yes I agree

5128gap · 12/09/2026 09:17

I think you should challenge every micro aggression. "Is there a reason I was only told this yesterday when other people knew on Monday? This puts me at a disadvantage.." etc. By email, every time. There will only be so many times she can pass it off as 'nothing to see' before a pattern shows itself, which you can then take to a manager.
You likely have identified the reason for her behaviour, but there is not enough evidence at this stage to make a case for discrimination on the grounds of nationality given you had to go digging for the indirect discriminatory attitudes, and she hadn't personally revealed them to you.
Focus on her actions rather than motive for now.

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