What do you do if someone in work keeps talking to you but you have no interest in talking to them?

Answer 1

Pretend you are very busy and don't have time. Enough said.

Answer 2

I think your possibilities depend on the organization of your working space. Try asking your supervisor to move you if possible. You needn´t say that it is because of the chatty person, you can think of some other reason (closer to the window or whatever). Another thing to do, depending on the type of work you do, is to plug your ears or wear headphones while working. If you are not the only two people at your job, try being a matchmaker and get the person to talk to one of the other people at work, perhaps by finding out who has some common interest with the person.Good luck!

Answer 3

I used to have this. I used to work with a Jamaican woman who used to narrate her entire day and she sat at the next desk. She'd start her day by "I'm just turning on my computer, now, where's my key, oh there it is, open my desk....."

It drove me so crazy!! I eventually learned just to tune her out and when she actually expected a response from me I'd say "sorry I was working".

I even tried a fun competition to see how long she could be quiet for. She managed 10 seconds. I ended up leaving the job because I could not concentrate on my work and my boss was unsympathetic.

If you work in a big company, perhaps talk to your boss (if he's sympathetic) and ask to be moved to a more quiet location.

Answer 4

There is a better way. As was said first, being nice and mannerly is the first step.
The next step is everything that requires a reply, I have been known to say
"I didn't catch what you said, I was busy working. What did you ask?"
OR when that doesn't work, I simply concentrate on what I am doing and concentrate on that. If they are willing to rattle on like a demented parrot, then at least I am not bothered.
Or, if a real push hum to yourself.

--That Cheeky Lad

Answer 5

Hi, I have the same problem, I just take the option of being polite and then turning round and not listening or showing any enthusiasm till she gets tired and gives her attention towards someone else. I also have to admit that I get ratty at time's and tell her to shut up and get her work done or if she hasn't got any, then help me. That REALLY works.

Good luck

Answer 6

For what reason have you decided that this person is not someone with whom you wish to talk? Please, be nice and respectful to this person. If this person lacks manners and social graces, then perhaps s/he needs to be informed, especially if yours is a work situation in which customers are seen and their needs handled. I'm assuming that you're not the office manager. If this person wants to talk when s/he should be working, then you need to inform the OM about the situation. There's nothing wrong, in this situation, with politely but firmly saying, "I really need to work on _____ and get it finished." (emphasis on politely) If this person comes to work appropriately groomed and dressed, and has good social skills, and obviously uses a mouthwash, and knows when to focus on work and when to chill, but has a face that could stop a train, then YOU'RE the one that needs a good floggin.

Answer 7

There's not much you can do, I think.

Try to give them the nudge could be a recipe for a bad work atmosphere. And you know how people love to gang up. The person annoying you could get a lot of others at work to nudge you back.

One idea: Rush to the loo every time they start talking. If they ask why, tell them you are allergic to BS.
: )

Answer 8

I'd try to avoid them if you can. If you do not feel like chit chatting then make an excuse that you cannot speak to them. However, honesty is the best policy. Just tell them you are not interested in a conversation.

Answer 9

It's a different matter when you have to work with someone; try to avoid them as much as possible, always be polite and listen, give a short answer and make an excuse to leave....eventually they will get the message.

Answer 10

About hooking up? If so, maybe your throwing mixed signals? Be upfront and tell him or her your not interested and if they persist go to management because nobody should have to put up with unwanted advances.

Answer 11

Smile and be polite. You are at work for heavens sake and you have to be professional - this doesnt mean that you have to be best friends with them