Gossip at the workplace?

I started my job teaching at a new school last august. My co-worker, the only other person in my department, gossips non-stop. I've stayed out of it, am not telling her things that are personal to me, etc. I get the feeling that she doesn't like me. She makes comments about other people that i feel relate to me. I'm scared to confront her, becaues I'm afraid that then she will comment about that to other people. I'm scared to ask questions or make comments about things related to work because I'm afraid she will twist me words and go blab them to other people. I think she is turning other people at work against me and I don't feel like I've done anything to deserve it. I am a very sensitive person and cannot get myself to confront her about this, but I'm really hurt by it. I try to avoid her at all costs, but as we are a "team" in our department, I can't get away from her - we even share an office. I come home in tears everyday and fell like i'm losing my mind. What do / should i do?

Document everything. Do it nicely and stay professional at all times. emails are a great tool for this, something like:

"Dear (name of co-worker);

Further to our discussion in the bathroom at (insert time) when you mentioned that Ms (insert other teacher's name) is having a lesbian affair with the principal I'm concerned that she will no longer be able to devote enough time for coaching the girls hockey team.

Should we seek a replacement or an assistant coach, and, if so, when?

Please advise at your earliest opportunity."

Given that she gossips constantly, you should have a field day.

Perhaps you could even copy other teachers (to let let them know of your concern for the hockey team, of course).

When you talk to her, just record it, that way if she tries to twist your words, you'll have proof that she's a liar, and that she was trying to make you look bad.

You are going to have to buck up and try to talk her. This problem isn't just going to go away and it's making you miserable. Don't be accusatory. Say things like "I feel" and "I noticed." Come off as if you are just interested in improving your working relationship. If this doesn't work, then talk to a supervisor in confidence. If all else fails, find a new job. No one should have to be miserable at work on a daily basis and eventually it will affect your work performance.

Just ignore her. There are always people who are just so miserable in their own lives that they try to drag others down with them. You're doing the right thing by not saying anything at all....she'll get the picture that you're not that kind of person eventually.

Write her a letter tell her how you feel.

Well being meek and mild will not get you anywhere in this world. Especially in the world of teachers most are female. Gossip is inevitable no matter what.

You can not control what she says, but you can control how you respond to it. So what if she does not like you! I wouldn't want that person on my side of things. Keep out of it, eat lunch alone and be a loner.. it's ok. You don't have to mingle with your collegues.

What is she in pre-school. It sounds like something I would hear from my friends at school
!!!!!! And I am In Gr8!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just igore her whenever you can!!!!!!!

Maybe you should start asking questions about her to "get to know her". It would stop her from talking about whatever or whomever else she is talking about and talk about herself. Maybe she has nothing to say about herself. She sounds like she is a very discouraged person. It's obvious that her negativity is affecting you, but there is not reason for you to take her projections of negativity and think she is talking about you. What is she going to talk about if you say you don't even speak to her?

Ask her what she did this weekend? What is she doing next weekend? Ask her for what she considers "local interests" that maybe you haven't discovered.....

Another thing is when she starts to bring up other people, act as if your cell phone is ringing and excuse yourself. Or say you need to use the restroom. Make any excuse to get out of the environment when she brings up negative stuff. Sooner or later she will stop doing it around you. She does it because you've said nothing and continue to stick around.

You need to speak with your department supervisor, you don't need that type of pressure on a daily bases. If you enjoy your work there, then you need to confront her face-to-face about the gossip, and inform your co-workers what is going on. Good Luck

More than likely there are others that feel the way you do about her. Keep it professional. Speak up when it concerns your work. Email her when possible so you have it in writing. If it gets worse speak to your principal or direct supervisor. If you don't let her know that you don't want this then she may think its ok. Also, why not try to transfer teams or schools? You could start looking for postings now.

Ignore her. Gossips dig their own graves. Everyone knows she gossips, so no takes her seriously anyway.