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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Work colleague being odd

36 replies

bustybetty · 10/12/2024 16:40

This follows on from my post the other day. My work colleague was making odd noises on Thursday so much so that both me and my the other person in the room mentioned it to my boss. Apparently its called le tchip its called teeth sucking and sounds like a duck, that alternated with praying and mumbling. We work in an open office with a TV one side and this happening the other. it was really distracting on Thursday and it was work from home on Friday so I was hoping the issue would have resolved but I'm just back from work today and its continued. Today was more mumbling and praying (??). Has anyone ever encountered such a thing before? I think she has a bag on with me because I managed to win the secret santa and it seems to have been fall out from that. Unsure how to handle as I have already mentioned it to my manager and when she comes into the room its quiet.

OP posts:
ChocolateAddictAlways · 10/12/2024 18:06

ChocolateAddictAlways · 10/12/2024 18:05

I’m a Muslim and when we pray it’s a ritual prayer, which can be silent or whispered but it’s on a prayer mat, in a specific direction, with specific movements and not when you’re at a computer, and I always used a quiet side office, never prayed when others were in the same room as I wouldn’t be comfortable and wouldn’t want to make others comfortable.

I guess it possible she’s using prayer beads like a rosary but that’s different to the Daily prayers Muslims perform. Maybe gently ask HR to find out what’s happening.

I meant I wouldn’t want to make
others UNCOMFORTABLE!!

Twistyripple · 10/12/2024 18:08

How bizarre. Did you take her gift then?

StMarie4me · 10/12/2024 18:16

CreationNat1on · 10/12/2024 16:52

I saw noise cancelling ear buds on TV yesterday, as a suggestion gift for teenagers, small unnoticeable ones. Get those.

As an aside, I loathe that advert. "Shut granny out". Awful!

SaagAloopa · 10/12/2024 18:18

You think she's praying loudly because you "won" secret santa??

Wendolino · 10/12/2024 18:43

I had this problem with a work colleague who used to yawn very loudly, obviously fake yawns, she used to laugh afterwards.
One day I asked if she was doing it to get a reaction and if so, she may as well stop because this would be the only reaction she'd get. She only did it occasionally after that, and only if someone else was in the office.
Sometimes it's best to be direct.

TwigletsAndRadishes · 12/12/2024 14:42

Fannyfiggs · 10/12/2024 17:32

OP said

Today was more mumbling and praying (??)

OP put the (??) to indicate she wasn't sure if it was praying or not.

And just to note, Muslims don't just speak Arabic

HTH

Show quote history

I know Muslims don't just speak Arabic thanks, but they do usually pray in Arabic.

Manara · 12/12/2024 14:46

If any of my colleagues started doing this I would be concerned about them and want them to be ok.

It could be mental health related issue. Why have you jumped to being judgemental straightaway?

We have colleagues with Tourette’s in our office, it never occurred to me to be judgemental.

Manara · 12/12/2024 14:47

TwigletsAndRadishes · 12/12/2024 14:42

I know Muslims don't just speak Arabic thanks, but they do usually pray in Arabic.

Show quote history

Exactly.

hydriotaphia · 12/12/2024 14:50

Honestly, I wouldn't assume that she is somehow vindictively mumbling because of a secret Santa gift. Maybe she has something going on in her life that has stressed her out. I have to say that occasionally when I am very stressed I accidentally speak or mumble aloud, especially if tired. I think you should try to have it dealt with sensitively, rather than assuming it is about you.

EveryOtherNameTaken · 12/12/2024 14:51

Maybe she has Tourettes.

PandyMoanyMum · 12/12/2024 15:00

Le tchip, or teeth sucking, is a gesture to show frustration or annoyance. It’s pretty rude.

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