Regardless what kind of environment or industry you work in, there will always be that one co-worker that you clash with.
It may not be an overt dislike for each other, but you might find yourself dreading conversations or encounters with this particularly person, without being able to put your finger on the reason why.
As it turns out, this phenomena is so common that psychological clinicians have taken the time to uncover the reason why that one person just rubs you the wrong way.
In an interview with Psychology Today, New York-based clinician Maria Baratta said that when most people complain about their colleagues, it’s because the colleague actually reminds the complainer of a family member.
“For example, the coworker who eats your lunch or constantly borrows your pen and never returns it might be reminiscent of your brother or the bossy coworker who corrects everything you say might be your mum or the grumpy manager might be your dad.”
The Clinician recommends that if you find yourself in such a situation, as yourself why a colleagues certain behavior drives you mad, and try to figure out what aspect of your coworkers behavior might be triggering such an intense reaction. For example, a micro-managing boss might remind you of your mother.
There you have it. Perhaps Debbie from Payroll actually just reminds you of your gossipy sister, and it isn’t Debbie who annoys you at all!
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