Struggling with colleague

[Iom92]

Hi all, I’m hoping for some words of wisdom as this is slowly driving me mad. I’m going to be deliberately vague as I don’t want to give away any identifying details. I have a colleague. Everyone seems to like her and so I can only assume the problem is me, not her. I don’t know what it is but everything she does drives me up the wall! Everything is always a drama. Lots of (what I perceive to be) attention seeking behaviours. Wanting to climb the ladder but not seeming able to cope with the stress any modicum of additional work that comes her way seems to bring her. Crying and lots of illness that isn’t serious, but just (to me) ‘one of those things’. Objectively, she is lovely and well liked. Good at her job. But every little thing is now adding up and I just am worried I’m getting to the point where I can’t hide my irritation. Does anyone have any tips? We work very closely.

Yeah, a diva. Worked with a couple of those at exjob. Good at their job but needed a lot of attention and stroking and any time things weren't going well it was tears or they were off sick.

Deep breaths, go for walks, tell yourself that you are not going to allow yourself to react and focus on your work. If your place has decent management then they will have noticed the behaviour (one of mine was threatened with a PIP for her sickness record) and they will appreciate you being mature enough not to rise to the bait or respond or let it affect you.

Good luck. It's not easy.

Smile, grit your teeth and keep your head down. And remember that you are being paid to be there, and it won't do your career any good if you rise to the bait.