I work in a fairy small organisation. Our team is three staff under one manager. One of which is full time. Then I, and the other are part time with 1.5 days that overlap.
this other part time staff member really seems to despise me. I’m not really sure why. But I’m even less sure what to do.
im a very chilled out person. Not a fan of drama. Always known as being quite cheerful and always happy to share a smile and laugh. I work hard, but also really enjoy life.
originally there was just the manager, the full time member of staff and me. The coworker who I’m struggling with started just under a year ago. I did all I could to be friendly and make her feel welcome.
it soon became obvious though that three’s a crowd. She immediately did all she could to become close to the full time member of staff. Texting her all the time, hanging out with her. I told myself that they are a bit younger it’s no big deal. Different people become close. I have lots of friends too. But there’s something mean spirited about the way she treats me. A example: The other day she was doing something simple but tedious, I offered to help her get it done. She immediately clutched the work to her chest, said no it’s fine and turned away. I often feel she’s trying to send the message: you aren’t needed here. We do fine without you. In the 1.5 days we work together, she’ll walk away when I’m speaking to her. Tries her best to not engage in conversation with me. Out of work, if I post in the team WhatsApp group, she’ll engage with everyone else but not with me. It’s all so petty and school like.
i try not to think about it too much but it’s really getting me down. I’ve just never had someone treat me with such …. venom?
what do I do to resolve this? This week I just tried to avoid her. I don’t want a confrontation really, but I also don’t like the dread I feel going into work and trying to avoid her makes me feel uneasy. My nature is to be friendly, I hate feeling like I’m stooping to her level.
help?