Heard coworker talking about me

[Winterbelle1]

At work I heard my coworker talking to others about my ability. I later confronted them and they said I must have misunderstood. I didn’t.
The next day they asked another coworker if I was ok as I heard them say something and it was a misunderstanding. So I think they are trying to control the narrative.
Feeling very uncomfortable going to work.

What is the outcome you are looking for? You could leave it and move on, speak to everyone involved and move on, do a grievance and hope the outcome allows you to move on.

Why/how are you overhearing your colleague talking about you?

Well what did they say? That matters.

Yes it's obvious they're trying to control the narrative. So it you did happen to mention to the other co-worker they have got in there first. I wouldn't necessarily do anything about this if it was me, just keep your wits about you. And keep your distance if possible.

Unfortunately everyone talks about everyone behind their backs - you just happened to be within earshot on this particular occasion. There’s absolutely nothing you can do about it so I really wouldn’t worry about. It will happen many times yet also.

Being more of a loner and introvert myself which people don’t seem to like, I’d hate to think what has been said behind my back - so I don’t! 🙃🙂

Everyone at some point will express an opinion on their colleagues 🤷‍♂️

And they won't necessarily want everyone to hear it.

Depends. Isn't the old saying 'what other people think of you is none of your business'? Or 'eavesdroppers never hear anything good'.

Was what they said true?

They’re probably worried and mortified they’ve upset you. Many people talk about others behind their back but of course you don’t want them to hear

Excellent advice

Depends what they said and in what context. ‘Janine’s an inept lazy useless arse and I can’t stand her’ is different to ‘I really wish Janine would learn to use Excel properly so she stops fucking up the spreadsheets’.

'A misunderstanding'. Ih yeah I have heard that one before.
You've been caught, own it. Nasty piece of work

So sorry OP. Workplaces are full of people like this sadly.

Have you never talked about a colleague?