How do I get along with a co-worker who is religious zealot?

Question

We're both new and do work in a confined space. Every statement or question is judgemental. She won't relax & be social. If you have a question, she says she doen't know. If you make a comment, her response always has to do with Jesus.

She also claims to be "pro-black", and always concerned about the white folks trying to fire us. She always has an answer, finishes the supervisors sentence when she asks a question.

Seems to me she kisses a** more than anyone! How do I get along without having a stroke???

Answer 1

Explain to them you wish to keep all your conversations in the proffessional setting of work. You don't wish to talk about religious or ploitical matters. If that doesnt work, have a talk to your supervisor.

Answer 2

Just say "good morning" when you show up in the morning, and if she's sitting there when you leave in the evening say "See you tomorrow." Other than that, just do your job and have as little to do with her as possible. You can tell yourself you don't have anything against her but just don't relate to her. If you tell yourself that you won't be feeling a grudge over your head all day long.

She probably will end up either leaving because she has "issues" or maybe even being told to leave because she does sound quite a bit off the mainstream from what you say. You say she's concerned about "white folks trying to fire us" (so I assume you're Black too). Don't you think she's kind of strange to be talking about being "pro-Black" when you and she are both Black, and why would Black people need to be "pro-Black" about themselves? She's just got some issues, and unless you keep your conversation to stuff like the weather or buying new shoes I don't see her as someone you're going to be pals with.

You can't do much about her saying whatever she says to supervisors, but if she gets to be too much for them they'll say something.

Its too bad you're in a confined space, but maybe the company will make some change or maybe, as I said, this person won't fit in and will end up leaving. The other thing is maybe once she's no longer new and no longer trying to "impress" you with whatever it is she thinks will "impress" you as a new acquaintance, maybe she'll mellow out some and be a little more regular.

I do think, though, you should calmy and authoritatively state that you will not talk about any religion you have or don't have and you will not listen about anyone else's in the workplace.

Finally, I'm assuming your intelligent enough (or whatever the word should be) to know that her attitude about worrying that white people will be trying to fire the two of you is just kind of nutty. I don't know where she got her information about white people, but - really - if someone at the company tries to get your co-worker fired and they happen to be white it isn't about anybody's color.

Good luck with this person in the confined space.

Answer 3

Maybe it's better that she's not very social since she sounds pretty annoying. It sounds like her religious beliefs aren't the problem, but rather her inability to act appropriately towards co-workers. Ignore her as best you can - maybe tell her you're not interested in discussing religion or racial issues with her. But if she's interupting the supervisor, the problem may get taken care of in time . . .

Answer 4

How about you scribble 666 on your forehead before you talk to her, enjoy the reaction when she faints!
But seriously, she thinks that white people have nothing better to do than fire her every chance she gets? Sounds like a closet racist to me, and kissing people's a**** is another way of getting brownie points for entrance into heaven, for the other mentally challenged people that believe in christianity

Answer 5

Man, you're in a tight spot. Especially since you work so closely. Any way you could move to another cubicle or further away? I've worked with people like this and it's tough. I bet if you got her drunk, she'd be the first one on the table with her top off and flinging her bra over her head.

Answer 6

Tell her up front that you would prefer not to talk about those topics but would be happy to discuss these. List a few for her.

Everybody is different. I am of the notion that if a person says in the beginning that they don't approve of certain things spoken in their presence others will not speak of them.><>

Answer 7

I don't know if you are a Christian or not, but if you are pray for wisdom in dealing with her.

But I would also tell her that you are uncomfortable with the constant talk about Jesus, and you would appreciate it if she just prays for you if she feels led to do so.

She obviously does not realize her testimony.

I deal with the same thing at my work, and I'm a Christian!!

Answer 8

It seems to me that you have two options. Option one is to find another job. Option two is to keep track of everything your co-worker says and when substantial information is accumulated file a complaint. With option two you must be aware that or co-workers will know what you did. Good luck whichever you choose.

Answer 9

not all of them....yet I merely found out that one in all my co-workers who quite annoys me fairly fairly some the time would be commencing a sparkling job in January....we are able to ought to work out how issues paintings out along with her exchange!

Answer 10

Ask her to prove her point by showing it to you in the Bible.
Chances are she can't. And if she does try, scriptures can twisted around so easy, you can make her look like the hypocrite she is, and she'll leave you alone.