My colleague, 'Lucy', and I don't get along very well and I'd appreciate advice on how I can essentially block out her chat etc, without seeming aggressive.
She's new to the job, young, very eager, bubbling with enthusiasm. She lives for the job and works all hours (no partner or children), socialising with colleagues outside of work. She is in awe of senior managers (arse licks at all opportunities) and often tells people that she's aiming to be CEO one day. All harmless. HOWEVER, she does have a tendency to put others down to try to progress. She likes to damn colleagues' work with faint praise and is a drama queen if she thinks someone has made even a tiny error.
I'm the opposite. We're like the Odd Couple. I'm older, have been working in this field for a few years, am relatively cynical, have children and am not inclined to work during weekends etc. I'm good at my job, but am not interested in climbing the ladder.
Unfortunately, we sit next to each other in the office and 'Lucy' is a chatter. I'm due back at work next week and I'm dreading her OTT enthusiasm and adoration of the senior managers. How can I block her out without seeming aggressive? I've tried ear buds, but she just speaks more loudly to me: "WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO?!" etc.
Our boss also dislikes Lucy and is aware of her attempts at undermining others (I found this out by accident). This doesn't really help me deal with her day to day though! I feel that Lucy brings out the worst cynic in me.
Any tips would be very gratefully received. Thank you.