You sound like DH, he says he is Squirrelly because he's surrounded by Nuts, of course he is only referring to my side of the family....

Argus-----I know what you mean my mother was the queen of negative. I lived with it my whole life...my three brothers are and so is my sister. My dad was the only one who never criticized and I mean never. He was encouraging, loving and cared about everyone. He died of the symptoms of Alzheimers. I determined to not let my family turn me into a bitter person----it is a struggle because this world gets so negative.

My advice to you would be stay away from those people in your family like that.....you deserve better. If they say something to you negative, find something positive in your mind about it. WALK AWAY from them...they are like poison or better yet "mold that multiplies". Life is just not perfect but it is not all bad either. I have struggled a great deal to get myself to be more content.

When the glass seems half empty I try to make a way to fill it up with stubborn determination. The worst thing anyone can say to me is "that will never work like that".......many a time I made it work...... =).

When my husband asked my dad if he could marry me. My dad said to him, "Are you sure you want to do this, remember those Norwegions can be really stubborn, but if you are sure then I would love to have you in our family." (my mom was almost all Norwegion and my dad alot Irish----what a combination I am--- LOL)

Nothing is, but thinking makes it so. So, I agree that you always have other options. (YAHOO).

Negativity is never the road to go down - it's always the wrong way and should have a big red sign in front of it because it will lead down into the hole. Continual negative thoughts are dangerous.

This is Michele. Choice and learning the Art of Teflon. Did I ever need to hear this! I began working in August at Tractor Supply Co. and am learning animal husbandry, farm equipment, etc. One of the team leads is a woman Greg and I call "The Bev-anator" as in "The Terminator" because her name is Beverly and she has caused 5 women to quit as cashiers there in the last year. Why they keep her is a mystery even though she knows a lot about horses, etc. Last Saturday, she denigrated me as a mother in front of some customers, suggested I wasn't cut out for retail and should transfer to another store and intimidated me by yelling so loudly that I did what she said to keep from being further embarrassed. I spoke with my mangers at length and they admitted she is a problem, but she is still there and this has bothered me immensely. I think I know the "Art of Velcro" . Everything negative thing sticks, does so repeatedly and is difficult to break away from. I can choose to be upset or re-frame or stick up for myself. Dealing with her is like dealing with the EO's...they won't let you win...ever. I guess I am going to have to retaliate and risk losing my job because they obviously value her more than they do their cashiers, but my dignity is worth something. Advice anyone?

No advice, just sympathy!! hugs

I have learned with verbal abusers that no mater where you are; work, home or at the store that they yell; it is one way to control you because if is embarrassing. I suggest you calmly say "please stop yelling" and "if you stop yelling we can discuss this” and that kind of thing.

Sorry you have to go through this at work. Sucks doesn't it.

M, Let me at her!!! Just remind her your Tawanda Sister is coming to town! And their are weapons in every aisle!

Seriously M, You got to go with your gut here sister, whatever it tells you to do, Do it! You are not a hot head or a reactionary, so if she is pushing buttons she is doing it on purpose. Disconnect the buttons knowing no reaction will be intolerable for her, or as August suggested, speak very quiet and professional and show her and everyone else what an ass she really is. You might even consider immediately calling a manager "STAT" and demand she apologize and that she discontinue such unprofessional behavior. Manager will either back you up or show his true colors...then you can decide what is best for you, perhaps refusing to work shifts with her?

Don't let her make you unhappy at work, you deserve respect and professional behavior in the workplace.
This is not fair and I am angry that it is happening to YOU! Hang on....and you will know what to do when the time comes.

Michelle----SHE suggested you were not cut out for retail ? Respond back "Oh I have learned alot already especially how NOT to act while working in retail" then look her right in the eye. Sometimes people like that respect someone who stands up to them....it is kind of reverse psychology. She obviously is loving making others miserables and the control of getting them to quit. If she starts talking loudly to you and derespectful. You could excuse yourself saying I need to take my medication and I will be right back...I am so glad you are here so I won't miss taking it, I will be right back". These are some examples----maybe not the best because I don't know this chick-----but you are RIGHT to stand up for yourself---nobody deserves this treatment. Your dignity is worth everything, there are other jobs out there. Best wishes and don't fret over this ignorant screwball.

This is Michele. I did ask the store manager to allow me to not work with her and he managed to get someone to close for me so I would not have to be alone with her. Then we had the meeting on Monday where neither she or I was allowed to talk. We were told that we had to find a way to get along because there are only thirteen people who work in the store and this was causing problems with morale so no discussing this situation with other workers while at work. Also, it would be too difficult to manage the schedule so that we would not have to work with each other, therefore, that is not going to happen. I am not causing this problem, she is and they are aware that it is affecting morale. I have no problems with any of the other employees. In fact, I have been told that this woman "has to have someone to hate on and you are it"...this time. She spies on people while they are talking and comments on the conversation later on, pontificates on everything and constantly tells everyone how wonderful she is and how her way is best. I truly am not exaggerating. I think the managers are afraid of her and what she might tell corporate if they try and discipline her.

I like this job and it is five minutes from my home. It is varied and keeps me learning something all the time but this woman is intolerable. Obviously, I will not be getting much support from management so I need to figure this out...unless I can win the lottery! What a dilemma.

M, You know that big fake smile that we have all learned to plaster on our faces when we really want to throttle someone??! Going to have to wear it with this Party Pooper, and speaking so quietly that no one else but she can hear tell her "Your Ass is Showing Dearie!" Then ignore her completely and go back to what you were doing. This is a battle of wits with an unarmed idiot....wish I could be mouse in the corner to see her implode!

i'm reminded of that Rolling Stones song that goes, "You can't always get what you want. But if you try sometime, you just might find, you get what you need." or something like that.

Ignore her is the best advice. If she sees that she is bothering you then she will continue but if she sees that you don't care she will give up. This is a terrible mgmt group with no skills running this place. I can tell you from experience that people like this will not stop. I have had this happen also. Then they get mgmt on their side and it is downhill from there-----sorry to say, it is a no-win situation. ((hugs to yo)) and keep the smile plastered on!

The eyes can say a lot..... I would give her certain looks while smiling falsely. Actually I wouldnt smile at her, just the customers. They cant fire you for a blank expression, Ms Blank knows all about those. LOL.

Just realized that could be taken two ways, meaning her name (Blank) or her clients.....