If you say "hello" to someone and they ignore you what does this mean??

Ok, this is a long story. I share an office with a colleague at work. The boss comes in, says "hello" and I say "hello" and clearly the "hello" was just for my colleague. The boss looks at me, but ignores me. I find this rude and awkward. Should I just start ignoring the boss? I find this hard. I am a friendly person and when I see someone for the first time each morning and I hear "hello", I respond with "hello". What could I be doing wrong here? I am not understanding this. The boss only speaks to me when she wants something done or we're at a meeting. Otherwise, it is blank stares and the cold shoulder. What could this be? It's been like this literally from the start. As far as I know, I am doing a good job. Passed my probationary period. What's up?

I might believe that if she ignored my colleague as well. And come on, "hello" is hardly being familiar is it? Hello is just a pleasant and expected greeting. She could nod instead if she likes. If you look at someone, acknowledge them in some way and if someone says "hello" to you, you must respond with "hello" unless you didn't hear them. This is certainly true at the workplace.

*edited*
You referred to your boss as "she"... Some women can be ridiculously catty at times -- especially when they feel threatened. Are you in a workplace dominated by men and do you happen to be an attractive woman? Possibly more attractive than her?

I apologize if this is overstepping any boundaries, but I noticed from one of your other questions you said you're a lesbian. Is it possible your boss knows this and for some reason either is threatened by or disapproves of your lifestyle? If she is/does, then it's her problem, not yours, obviously... but while it absolutely does NOT excuse her behavior, it would explain it...

This is the best reason I can come up with for your bosses behavior since you say you're a good employee and you haven't committed any grave offense against her...

***edit again*** =P
If you've been losing weight, maybe she's pissed off because you're getting thinner. I know a lot of girls who are catty about that kind of stuff, too... it's ridiculous the stuff we get angry/upset about. Seriously.

It sounds like she's trying to keep you down at a level below "hello we're friends" don't worry about it just keep doing your job as you are, I think you're fine.

Maybe many people ignore his hello, and got quite suprised at your friendly hello back to him. Don't ignore him. He must be lonely. I find friendly people very happy. You are very good to greet him hello back. If he still ignores you, just keep on saying your usual 'hello', 'good morning', 'how are you', and 'have a nice day' greetings. You'll never know when your boss would become your close friend. Have a nice day! Hope I helped! Teehee.... I am just a kid actually... Haha! Take care!

It seems as though you are experiencing what is the beginning of the end of your courtesy. It's not you...at least I don't think it is. I ran into this problem quite a bit when I first started the job I currently have. I would see someone, anyone, make eye contact and say hello...only to be ignored and looked at like there was something wrong with me.

People just aren't nice anymore. I don't know if it is dependent on what part of the country which you live, or if people just suck...I'm going with the latter.

However, it seems like your situation is a little deeper. Maybe your boss is intimidated by you. I would continue to say hello. Don't you change...and if she continues to ignore you...who cares. You could either continue on your journey to become a jerk like the others, or simply kill 'em with kindness. Just be consistant about it, whichever path you choose.

Dont worry about it.

Next time she walks through, dont say hello, and you'll probably find she does instead. Or at least she'll think about it as she walks past, and maybe will then say hello the next day.

Its up to the boss to keep the cohesion of the team high. If she chooses to alienate people, then thats fine, but don't you worry about it.

If she doesn't say hello, then you know where you stand. You aren't going to get much in the way of promotions or pay rises, but at least you KNOW it and can do something about it.


Mind you - I see from the way you are judging her against yourself, that you don't hold her in very high regard. She probably knows this, and so thinks you are toadying up to her.

And hell - maybe she just gets on really well with your work colleague. Perhaps no-one normally get a hello out of her....

Carry on wit ur job and let him perish to the devil

why would you start ignoring your boss? are you trying to loose your job? my boss was doing the same thing to me. She is very old...i was nice to her B** kissing her all the time but she was ery cold to me....next thing I know she bought the same shoes I had....I decided to be quite when she says hello I smile and then go back to my work. I know for sure she wont give you a raise... so its either you ignore her and do your job or you pay attention to what some jealous old F* has to say

oh by the way we did have all women at our work place too...thank god I quit !