N
Nomad
Guest
I've been out of the work force for awhile and find myself running into problems from time to time. I did substiute teach and freelance write here and there, but there things don't require much adult interaction and it is a different world. So far, it is has been "interesting" re-learning my way around, but at times a little embarassing.
There is this older person where I work, who is friendly and polite, but noticeably insecure. She is always asking for extra work and it is unclear as to whether or not the office wants to give it to her. I know when I get extra work, I am happy to get it and when I have the time...I do it. She seems to over think the whole thing, gets jealous, talks alot about these things and "stirs the pot" a bit.
I have been friendly with her and she has been calling me and "venting." I have been listening and at times I tell her that I understand what she is saying but ask her to look at things from another point of view.
The last few weeks, she seems to be getting mixed messages from a few co-workers and her supervisor. One minute they are fine with her and the next minute, they are VERY quiet.
Today, in a meeting she totally threw me "under the bus," and revealed personal information that she found out about me. I had asked her to keep it confidential and she openly mentioned it. Part of me wants to think it is because she is "older," and part of me wants to think it is done purposefully. Later, when I saw her after the meeting, she said something very negative to me out of no where that was totally off the wall (although she stopped herself midsentence). Remind you...I have been very kind to her...giving her rides, listening to her, etc...even when others are pracitically ignoring her.
We have other meetings to attend, and she is fearful about driving to them alone. I have encouraged her to do it by herself, but said that I would take her whenever she gets scared. Last meeting...I noticed heads turned when I walked in with her and NOT in a good way.
To tell you the truth...now I'm SCARED. My guess, is that she is in the process as I type (LOL!) of throwing me under the bus in every way possible. I am talking about negative gossip.This person just loves to talk and since she is so insecure, subconsiously (or otherwise) it is in her benefit to mention neg. things about others.
**** How can I clean the slate a bit or remove myself a bit from this person? Also, how can I take back my invitation to drive her to the meetings? And ya know what...if I don't do this carefully...this too will be the subject for gossip.
I feel badly for doing this, but I finally got a clear picture of what's going on today and I didn't like what I saw.
Thank you.
There is this older person where I work, who is friendly and polite, but noticeably insecure. She is always asking for extra work and it is unclear as to whether or not the office wants to give it to her. I know when I get extra work, I am happy to get it and when I have the time...I do it. She seems to over think the whole thing, gets jealous, talks alot about these things and "stirs the pot" a bit.
I have been friendly with her and she has been calling me and "venting." I have been listening and at times I tell her that I understand what she is saying but ask her to look at things from another point of view.
The last few weeks, she seems to be getting mixed messages from a few co-workers and her supervisor. One minute they are fine with her and the next minute, they are VERY quiet.
Today, in a meeting she totally threw me "under the bus," and revealed personal information that she found out about me. I had asked her to keep it confidential and she openly mentioned it. Part of me wants to think it is because she is "older," and part of me wants to think it is done purposefully. Later, when I saw her after the meeting, she said something very negative to me out of no where that was totally off the wall (although she stopped herself midsentence). Remind you...I have been very kind to her...giving her rides, listening to her, etc...even when others are pracitically ignoring her.
We have other meetings to attend, and she is fearful about driving to them alone. I have encouraged her to do it by herself, but said that I would take her whenever she gets scared. Last meeting...I noticed heads turned when I walked in with her and NOT in a good way.
To tell you the truth...now I'm SCARED. My guess, is that she is in the process as I type (LOL!) of throwing me under the bus in every way possible. I am talking about negative gossip.This person just loves to talk and since she is so insecure, subconsiously (or otherwise) it is in her benefit to mention neg. things about others.
**** How can I clean the slate a bit or remove myself a bit from this person? Also, how can I take back my invitation to drive her to the meetings? And ya know what...if I don't do this carefully...this too will be the subject for gossip.
I feel badly for doing this, but I finally got a clear picture of what's going on today and I didn't like what I saw.
Thank you.