Does anyone have a...

[KandD]

friend, coworker, family member, etc. who you never know what kind of mood they will be in and therefore walk on eggshells until you confirm they are in a good mood?
My mom was like that when I was growing up but now I have someone at one of my jobs that I just kind of want to keep my mouth closed until I know she isn't in a foul mood.
What do you guys do about it? And it isn't that I don't like the woman, we are actually friends but sometimes I just get nervous! (This must have SOMETHING to do with my mom and the way she was when we were little!)

 

[NMAmy]

I have a couple of coworkers like this. I hate it but I just try my best to ignore it.

 

[glitterkittyy]

friend, coworker, family member, etc. who you never know what kind of mood they will be in and therefore walk on eggshells until you confirm they are in a good mood?
My mom was like that when I was growing up but now I have someone at one of my jobs that I just kind of want to keep my mouth closed until I know she isn't in a foul mood.
What do you guys do about it? And it isn't that I don't like the woman, we are actually friends but sometimes I just get nervous! (This must have SOMETHING to do with my mom and the way she was when we were little!)

My boss of nearly 7 years.

My solution...I found another job. It was so stressful to worry every single day what his mood would be. I really like him as a person, but this part of his personality made it hard to work for/with him.

 

[DWGal210]

Yes, I know exactly what you mean. I HATE that. I have known people like that. In fact, I work with people like that now. You never know how they are going to be and what mood they'll be in; it's exhausting to keep up with it.

 

[C.Ann]

I have to plead the fifth on that one..

And then there's DD's FIL - he tends to be like that every morning when he comes over here.. We never know if he's going to be wearing his "grumpy pants" or not...

 

[Darsa]

My boss as well; some days I'll come in and she's already here, and she says absolutely NOTHING until she has to, and that will tend to be grunts and snarls. I hate it, but at this point trying to find a new position is impossible. As soon as I'm able to, though, I'm gonna start looking!

 

[jen0610]

Yep...we work with her.

And it's only fine and dandy for her to be in a foul mood. If anyone else is having a bad day and she'll be the first one to tell you suck it and deal with it.

And it is every day with her and can change part way thru the day.

We use to walk on eggshells around her, now we don't.

 

[LuvOrlando]

I have known a few people like this. In particular I had a close cousin who was like this, what a pill she was too. I could say the most mild things and she would use it as a starting point for a nasty tirade... uggh. Because of her I now refer to this sort as a "Razor Blade Personality" because dealing with them is a whole lot like picking up an old school flat razor blade... it's to be avoided but if I absolutely must do it, I do it with great care because too much pressure here or there and you'll end up with a nasty injury.

IMO, these sorts have made up their minds to be miserable and they won't disappoint themselves. The ONLY way to deal with them is to never ever say what you think, or say much of anything at all, at least not directly to them... they're always just looking for a reason to unload and anyone at all will do as a target. If you talk around them they'll sit on a low simmer, it's the direct conversations that get you in trouble. Sort of like looking a dog straight in the eyes, they'll see it as an invitation to a challenge. What a waste I suspect the only time people deal with them is when they are forced to do so either through work or through being related.

When you are stuck near these angry downer sorts just go to your happy place in your head and be happy you don't have to go home and LIVE with her... that strategy always makes me feel better.

 

[Nette]

According to several managers, *I* am that person. However, none of my coworkers (some of whom I was/am very close to) seem to agree. Of course, maybe they're just scared to tell me the truth.

Seriously, I don't think I'm like that, and I try really hard to put on a smile and be cheerful when people come into my office just because I've been told in performance reviews I'm like this. Honestly, I wish that people would point out when I'm doing it... if I really am.

 

[golfgal]

A friend/co-worker that is male I SWEAR has PMS . I can walk into his office and take one look at his face and turn around and walk out. He has me figured out now and asks "do I look crabby today". I tell him yes and walk out. When he is feeling better he will let me know he is ready to go over whatever it is we need to do.

I am not much of an eggshell walker. If they want to be crabby and pissy, hey, more power to you but don't expect me to put up with it either.

 

[C.Ann]

Too bad there's no "ignore" feature in real life like there is here on the DIS.. You could just add them to your "list" and be done with them..

 

[MushyMushy]

I was warned that my boss is like this and it took a month but I finally saw it in action with her! When she's up, she's really up and great, but then catch her on a down day and you don't even want her to set eyes on you.

 

[minnie1012]

My old boss! I knew when to keep away! She was a friend and co worker before she was my boss so I knew how she functioned. I would hear her on the phone and sometimes if I knew she was really mad I would get up and do something away from my desk for a bit. It was tough because sometimes you could do no right if she was in a foul mood. She always had alot of meetings which helped too because she wasn't around alot. Luckily I had a co worker to vent to which helped.

 

[ncmickeyluvr]

My sister has always been like this. She a great person, with a huge heart who would do anything for someone who needs something. I've always said that she can't "compartmentalize". If something pisses her off, she's mad at the WHOLE WORLD....she can't tuck it in a corner and go about her business. I'm the exact opposite. I can be fuming about something/someone and no one would ever know unless I say something because I can turn it off until another time.

 

[ZachnElli]

Yes, my brother. When he's in a good mood, he is the funnest and funniest person to be around, but when he's not, well....he's NOT! No in between, just good or bad. And the bad is really bad!

 

[Robinrs]

My mother was like that when I was growing up also. My sisters had the same reaction as you, and STILL do to people like that. I guess being the youngest I built a resilience to it.

I run into those types regularly and they don't bug me at all. I had HOME training!!

 

[charming23]

My Aunt. When she is in a bad mood you better hide small children (and adults). She is horrible. But when she is is in a ggod mood she is fun to be around and jokes.

 

[KandD]

I'm glad its not just me, I thought I was just overly sensitive (because I know sometimes I can be).
I'm so sorry for all of you that have a boss like that! It must be awful!

 

[Disney Doll]

I'm sure I know a lot of people who are like that but I don't let others manipulate or control my day. If I work with you and need something, I don't expect to get attitude because the kid at the coffee shop ticked you off this morning. I don't walk on eggshells around anyone.