Is Being Liked Incredibly Important to You?

[BaconAndAvocado]

It's come to my notice that a work colleague doesn't like me.

I really don't like him either but the insecure idiot in me can't seem to deal with someone not liking me.

How weird is that?

I know I need to man up.......help!

Tia

Good grief, you lot are so very very wise

I think this particular scenario would bother me personally because it seems to go beyond simply not being liked by someone: I don't much like several work colleagues, but that doesn't mean I don't maintain a professional attitude towards them: I greet them/return their greeting if I pass them in the corridor and exchange polite if stilted small talk if we bump into each other in the staff kitchen. Deliberately blanking, obviously avoiding and belittling a colleague, is closer to workplace bullying IMO. Though I appreciate not everyone will see it that way and without more context from Bacon as to what form the "not liking" behaviour takes, may not be the case after all.

Bacon, regardless, the problem obviously lies with him. Somebody who behaves like this at work (or indeed anywhere) isn't somebody whose approval is important.

I speculate your colleague has power/control issues. Making you feel inferior & 'putting you in your place' by showing you disdain makes him feel superior. He wants to do this because
a) he lacks respect for some/all women - for example the ones he doesn't fancy, the ones who remind him of his mum whom he resents (don't know your age)
or
b) he feels threatened by your competency at work
or
c) he fancies you thereby unwittingly you have power over him which makes him feel uncomfortable, even vulnerable.

I have had so much rejection its the norm now to sense far off who does't like me :( don't know how to deal with it really as i know you can't get along with everyone but still deep down it is sad :(

Bacon, I think it's very much what clench has said. He feels unnerved by you. I think you don't like him because he ignores you - and that's fair enough. It's unprofessional of him to not respond to a greeting, that's standard office protocol. Can you practice raising an eyebrow and giving a sardonic laugh?

Round - I'm so sorry to read your post.

Is it possible that you now expect rejection so you're a bit frosty when you meet new people?

I'm sorry if I'm simplifying your situation.

I've had so much brilliant advice here that I feel fully equipped for,the next encounter with said work colleague.

It wouldn't bother me in the slightest if someone I didn't like blanked me. In fact I would feel relieved at not having to do fake small talk!

I am guessing that you don't have to interact at work as part of your job? If it was someone at my work, it would be very awkward as we all work very closely together in a team. Luckily they are all fab!