Help me write an email to this rude colleague

[Confused4313]

This colleague is young and in charge of the stationary supplies in place of work. I would say I’m her senior rather than other way around - this is just for context.

She’s been quite short tempered with me quite a few times. Yesterday for example I went to take a laminator and just said I might buy one for home too as they’re useful for kids stuff and she just snapped telling me that’s not anything to do with her and it’s my business not hers! I didn’t say anything as I was a little shocked at how she spoke to me. I’ve woken up angry (I do this a lot I don’t say anything in the moment but it festers over time).

What shall I do: email her now and just say stop being so ill tempered with me or wait till Monday and send email? I’m part time so I won’t be back in work till middle of next week and I won’t be so angry then and will let it go as usual

@andweallsingalong

I think you're over thinking.

She's not your friend, she doesnt know your kids. She wanted to get on with her work, you wanted to talk to an almost stranger about getting a laminator for your kids. She didn't want to here it and told you so. Neither of you are wrong. Although, it's work, if lots of people are chatting randomly throughout the day and interrupting her work maybe she needed to say something. Maybe she wasn't rude just assertive and you were over sensitive to perceived tone.

You say she's "been rude" like this before so stop trying to befriend her / chatting randomly about your kids. Keep it polite and business focused and see if that helps.

Excellent advice. In the future, just get your stuff and leave. Don't waste your time and hers with whatever is going through your head at the time - not everyone wants to hear stream-of-thought thinking.

Ask her if there is a way she can help you with guarding your stationery order in the future.

I’d say, ‘Are you ok? Have I done something I’m not aware of? I can’t help noticing that every time we speak you seem very angry.’ Ideally, said in front of a witness. Rude woman needs pulling up on it.