How do you deal with someone that is less intelligent/mature than you who is also irritating?

Question

I have a B.A. from a prestegious college and am currently temping as I figure out my next career move. The job is very low level - admin work at a doctor's office - and the people that I work with aren't the most educated or brightest people around. I keep my accomplishments and education level to myself as I don't feel the need to impress or belittle anyone but one 25 year old woman really irritates me. She is very simpleminded and thinks she is much smarter than she is. Due to the nature of the job, I tend to show up a few minutes late at times and she always has to mention it to me, albeit in a joking way. I try to just laugh or ignore her and but she keeps persisting. I really want to put her in her place but I know that I wouldn't feel good about doing that after I leave the job. Any advice?

Answer 1

You sound as if you are a bit of a snob. What is "her place"? Maybe she is trying to put you in "your place" by calling attention to the fact that you are not responsible enough to get to work on time.

Maybe she resents the fact that you come in late. I know I would. You seem to have a need to belittle this woman. She might just put you in "your place" when you do so.

You sound like the immature one and I'm sure your snobbish attitude is irritating to her and others. I'm sure that your being late is also irritating.

Answer 2

Have you ever considered that maybe she likes you? It is an atavistic throwback to our childhood days to pull little girls pigtails or have them punch you in the arm and stick their tongue out at you as they run away. Call it an opposite reaction of types. If this is the case you need a whole other approach.

Assuming this is not some sort of crush that is being acted out upon. Realize first that any issues that she has with you are simply her issues. Do not be offended by her issues. Ignore them as they do not pertain to you.

Now, with that said, I have heard a well placed bone can break a bone. Look for an opportunity to say the right thing at the right time. Make sure it does not come from malice or even anger. If you can in love make a mindful remark you may influence a lasting change in which she might receive a beneficial effect for years of her life to come. If you can accomplish this you definitely have become a master of this art.

But before you can be this master you must first learn to control yourself. It has also been said that he who can control himself can control the world. Make sure whatever it is you express to her stems not from a place of irritation, but in patience, the fountain of true spiritual love.

Answer 3

let her words slide off your shoulders. she doesn't pay your paycheck. I wouldn't consider what you do a low level job. I realize that clerical work is menial but there is not much that the girls behind the counter cant answer about the human body it is just that they are not allowed. I am sorry that she is giving you such a hard time because it sounds like she is the exception to the dedicated hard workers in this field. just keep reminding yourself that this is a temp job for you and living well is the best revenge.

Answer 4

If you know she's simpleminded and she has a knack for irritating you - maybe just be pleasant and just keep avoiding her. Smart people who ponder on the antics of people less smarter than them are usually the dumber ones. You already know they're not bright, why pick a fight with someone like that? So if you really are smart, patience my friend. It will show character as well.

Answer 5

leaning to be tolerant of others, and to not be triggered by others' behavior is not easy, but is necessary for leading a more peaceful life. it took me a long time to catch on, and its been a great benefit. learning those techniques that help you to stay calm under "pressure" generally, will help to cut down on the irritation and annoyance factors everywhere. meditation, yoga , tai chi "energy work" like chi gung, reiki, etc. practiced regularly will amaze you with their benefits. you will start to take nothing personally, and will be almost impervious to others' behavior. check out www.sahajayoga.com for a great intro into "energy", and read *the complete idiots guide to toltec wisdom* to discover why we tend to be so irritable, and many other fascinating things. good luck. (p.s. i have a j.d. from a pretty good law school, but having a good education doesn't exempt one from needing all of these helpful tools.)

Answer 6

mentally switch off and walkaway. as in, dun deal with her--at all. y waste tym dealing with sum1 whos lower den ur calibre and yet sees herself above others?

OR...

u can always play along. play the sarcastic card. she jokes with you? joke back with her in a witty sarcastic way and quickly walkaway b4 she can think of a quick comeback.

but seriously. diz kinda people? it takes A LOT 4 sum1 2 put them in their place. since u won't be there long, *shrugs*, walkaway! b4 she can finish her sentence when she's talkin 2 u, slip on ur headphones or go 2 ur desk n start workin on sumtin or pretend 2, n treat her as though shes nonexistent. =D

~Cheers!

Answer 7

Just don't react to her. "Don't sweat the small stuff." Your life will be much easier if you can learn to deal with all kinds of people. Even so called intelligent people act like jerks.

Answer 8

Just agree with her and go on with your day. Ignore her if possible. throughout the day. Just be yourself, keep busy or act busy when she comes around. My Dad always said, "Be nice to those who are not to you. By doing this they do not understand why you are being nice
and question it to themselves." So plant the coals burning on their head with your kindness, she will walk around not understanding and perhaps leave you alone.

Answer 9

you shouldn't let the girl get you down. just tell her that you don't like her comments. you don't have to get along with everyone that you work with. even when you are in the position you desire you will still find people that rub you the wrong way. it's just a part of life. i work with people that i can't stand everyday of my life.

Answer 10

soccer mom, via fact she can not understand the certainty that her and her infants are no longer the only human beings residing in this worldwide. and likely, human beings are dumb ordinarily, alongside with me. I basically have a vendetta against women.