fed up of taking her s**t

[sprite25]

Sorry if there are similar posts but just looking for some advice/support. There's a woman at work who really gets to me, she's a bitch in general and thinks she's above everyone else. Because she's been there for a long time and is friends with the boss (who is a soft touch) she thinks it gives her the right to talk to people (especially me) like im thick and like crap. From the first day I started she's been talking down to me, trying to boss me about and even interfering regarding my maternity leave and holidays which are nothing to do with her. I dread going to work when I know she's there because I know she will come out with at least one bitchy comment and plan to look for somewhere else to work while on maternity leave. Anyway im fed up of letting her get to me and have decided to not let her speak to me like sh*t anymore as I worry the stress will affect my baby (im 21 weeks) but dont know how to react to her when she says these things as im not a naturally confrontational person. I want to be assertive and stand my ground without stooping to her level and getting into a pathetic argument. What should I say/do?? I know whatever I do say or do will make things awkward there til I go on leave but feel like why should I let her be like it with me.

I would have a eord and say that you are capable of sorting your leave/ holiday/ job with the relevant people and would appreciate it if she lets you get on with it without negatice comments.

then if it continues...

I would keep a diary of incidents and who was around

I would then raise a grievance if it continues sayong you feel undermined, bullied and stressed by her attitude and constant put downs

Is she older and bitter ? and a chain smoker ? and talks loudly down the phone about her children/gchildren all f-king day? man there must be a special place they train these b!tches cos she sounds exactly like one I had to work with !
I would practise a few firm responses - "Sorry, what is the issue here ?" (when she makes a b!tchy comment you would, I'm guessing, just ignore) "I will be discussing my ML with our manager as it is his job" blah blah.
Sorry you have to go thru this when you're PG. Have you tried talking to your boss ?

Practice the phrase "did you mean to sound so rude?"

she is a very loud, brash woman who never misses an opportunity to tell everyone about how she doesn't need the job she has because her husband is so rich but she just does it for something to do and acts like this makes her above people. I am getting to the point where I am just waiting for her to come out with her next bitchy comment/inappropriately nosy question so that I can finally say something back to her as usually I just walk away and then end up stewing about it that I didnt say anything. Like I say the boss is a soft touch and never see's anything as a big deal and feel like if I was to say something I would be made to feel like Im being over the top, but if its bothering me in and outside of work surely it is a big deal. urgh! I know I just need to grow some balls and not let other people push me around but as Im not a confident person as it is Ive always been abit of a target for evil people like her.

Your sounds a little pathetic (like my old one) who needs to grow a backbone. Ugh what a horrible person she sounds like.
Like I said, practise a few short, snappy, assertive comebacks (Don't lose your temper or be rude cos guess who the first person to go crying to the boss will be ?) but I think Slug's suggestion is a good one.
Good luck, and let us know how you get on.

Your manager sounds a little pathetic even . . .