Help...I have co-worker stress

[NY Disney fan]

My co-workers are petty and judgemental. I work with two women who are very friendly with each other (but talk nasty about each other when the other is not looking). I know they don't like me. I don't care and I have learned to ignore them and put on a happy facade. Inside however, I can feel the stress building. All day long they are petty and catty and talk about me (as well as other co-workers). Moving my desk is NOT an option. How do I handle the stress? Is there a technique anyone can suggest?

 

[Fitswimmer]

I use my iPod. I plug my earbuds in the moment I come in and I take them out when I leave. I keep the volume just low enough to hear if someone is asking me a question, but high enough to block out the inane chatter. The other positive is that the music helps me keep focused on work instead of getting my attention drawn off by the chatter.

I used to be more bothered by the cattiness when I was younger-I think I've simply reached an age now where I just don't care what other people think/say about me anymore.

 

[N&B'smom]

Well, you have two options.

Option 1 - IGNORE them. Rise above their catty behavior. Be SUPER nice to them. You've heard the expression 'kill them with kindness'. Just be as nice as possible, suddenly it won't be as much fun to talk about you if you are going out of your way to be kind to them.

Option 2 - CONFRONT them. Walk right over and tell them you're sick and tired of listening to them talk about you. And in front of both of them let them know you're sick of hearing them talk about each other when the other is not around. Tell them that if they want to go through life being jealous and petty, that's their deal. Leave you out of it!

I hope it gets better. Women can be so mean to one another sometimes. It's a shame.

Shelby

 

[NY Disney fan]

I use my iPod. I plug my earbuds in the moment I come in and I take them out when I leave. I keep the volume just low enough to hear if someone is asking me a question, but high enough to block out the inane chatter. The other positive is that the music helps me keep focused on work instead of getting my attention drawn off by the chatter.

I used to be more bothered by the cattiness when I was younger-I think I've simply reached an age now where I just don't care what other people think/say about me anymore.

Love the ipod idea but it just doesn't look professional in my line of work. Wish I could though. Secondly, I really , really don't care about their cattiness but I work closely with these women. I need them to do my job. (They also need me to do theirs). I ignore what I can but have to deal with them the rest of the time. (we sit next to each other all day long). I can feel an ulcer forming. ETA: Looking for more "mental techniques" as if I was in a POW camp and couldn't get out. I know that sounds extreme but that's how I feel.

 

[N&B'smom]

I don't know! But goodness, you need a . You poor thing. I'm sorry you have to deal with it.

Shelby