Context so not to drip feed: I got promoted within the same organisation but different team last summer. Moved office. Went from a worker to a manager role. Manage a small team of 3 who all do different roles that contribute to the programme I manage. When I moved offices I moved to a desk in an office with an administrator who is 'part of the furniture' - she has been there years and works across programmes, including providing admin support for my programme. We hit it off well and have some life experience in common. She is a decade older than me. I considered her a close colleague - I'd say I am more friendly with her and my direct line manager more than any other colleagues - so much so that they are invited to a significant event coming up in my life. The only people from work I wanted to invite.
So I have noticed in the last 3 months she has made a few comments about me being 'further ahead' in life than her. She was referring to our jobs, my education and general family set up. I didn't want to patronise her or really comment on it because what can I say really? I just said something benign like 'Different things happen in life for different people at different times, I was in the gutter 9 years ago.'
I think she has started to resent me though. There have been 4 separate work social situations since Christmas that I suspect she has organised and emailed round the organisation inviting people to and I have been left out of. Other colleagues have mentioned the events as in 'Oh it's so and so's maternity/leaving/big birthday drinks on Friday isn't it so I will see you there.' I just smile and nod whilst thinking 'I have no idea what you are talking about' - shall I just ignore and get on with it? I don't want conflict and I am not really bothered about socialising with work mates but I also feel like I am being a bit naive inviting this woman to things when she seems to be actively excluding me. WWYD?