The psychological warfare of female social groups

[boodlekazam]

I just wondered if anyone else finds the psychological effects of female social groups quite draining?
I've a tendency to keep myself to myself during lunch breaks at work as I just feel mentally drained after a social 'break' in a female dominated staffroom.
There's the leader, the passive aggressive one who makes you feel you need to earn your place in the conversation, the topics of conversation that 'outsiders' can't contribute to unless you're part of the inner circle, the feeling that you need to have earned a speaking slot!
It's lonely, but I find it much easier in the solace of my office at break times. It's actually something that's drained me all my life, social female gatherings are really difficult. I have loads of female friends whom I see a lot on a 1:1 basis, but groups of women just seem to open my eyes to a lot of passive aggression, bragging, side-long glances and frowns battles for attention, easily offended women and put downs.
Anyone else find this?
(Currently sat in my office avoiding the headache of female dominated social interaction!)

I'm the total opposite .
Feel that even 1 man can change the cozy and fun dynamic I experience in all- female groups.
He expects to be listened to when he's speaking etc in a way that women don't , or he'll concentrate on speaking to the one woman he kind of fancies- totally and utterly changes everything

Having worked in nurseries and schools, which is a typically female profession, I know exactly what you mean op. The school I work in at the moment is quite divisive, and there is a group of TA's who are very pally and arrange nights out amongst themselves, and call it a TA night out, but don't invite everyone. I am fine with that as I have my good friends out of the workplace, and have enough of them during the week.

well known in psychology that group at the bottom of the totem pole attacks each other as not willing to risk attacking group above them on the same pole. This applies across the spectrum i.e. not confined to women.

Meh. I work in an all-woman environment and you couldn't wish for a nicer, more supportive, kinder group of people. New members of staff are included and welcomed from day 1 and briefed on office in-jokes so that they can take part. No-one is forced to interact, we all respect each other's personal space. Last week when I was stuck in traffic I called in to let them know I was on my way and not far away and when I got in, there was a cup of fresh-brewed filter coffee ready for me on my desk. I think you're just unlucky in your office environment.

Is that supposed to be some sort of joke RedMaple?

No it wasn't a joke. But misogyny, unfortunately, is a bit clearer to some people if you substitute female person for black person or gay person etc.

I'm not sure how I feel about my post being deleted when this thread stands.

Wow. They deleted RedMapleLeaf. How thick does someone have to be not to get the point of that comment? Whether you agree or not it's a valid point and a valid way of expressing it.