Co-worker's Baby-Talk?

Question

A woman in my department uses what I would call “baby-talk”. She’s 43, never had a date – I suppose she wants to be the Mother of the office.

She is an OK employee (lots of drama at home) but when she speaks to me (dept. admin) she says things like, “Precious, I have to go downstairs...” “Pretty lady, I have to call...”, “Boo, I want to tell you...”, “Good morning Precious! What a pretty blouse for the Pretty Lady!” And when she comments on the picture of my granddaughter she speaks in a lispy, fake, even worse baby voice. GAG!!!! She is not gay and wants a boyfriend in the worst way. She is overly emotional and all attempts to speak with her about issues elicits a huge passive-aggressive attitude and she feels very wronged by the world. She just cannot speak to me and others without the baby-talk. What to do?

Answer 1

Why not have some fun with this? You cant change her but you can find ways to entertain yourself with her. For example set her up on blind dates with your male friends that arent married. Then later ask her and the guy how the date went. It would be interesting to hear the date stories.

Answer 2

If you are not her ultimate boss, I would mention this to the person that is and just say how it makes you uncomfortable. It you are in charge I would simply tell her something like 'the pet names make people somewhat uncomfortable and you would prefer she simply address people by their names'. Unfortunately you can really do nothing about the voice. If you are close with the woman you could consider inviting her to a singles event at your church or a party you are hosting, etc at which she may meet someone. If all else fails, just accept that someone in the world is always going to be obnoxious and consider this and endurance test : )

Answer 3

It's not exactly harmful but it's annoying and definitely unprofessional. It is her problem if she can't take criticism. I would talk to whoever is her supervisor or manager.
Maybe management could send a general office memo requesting that all staff speak and act professionally and that certain forms of address are not appropriate - perhaps if it was an official office policy she might get the message.

Answer 4

I agree - gag. It's just a personality type - I just avoid people like that, but that's me. You could be gentle but honest w/her and let her know you would rather she drop the cutesy titles like precious. Tell her it feels condascending even though you know she doesn't mean it that way and that you want her to use your name only. I would never attempt to speak to a person like this about their issues.

Answer 5

That isn't baby-talk...she is giving you compliments and addressing you with terms of endearment. It takes all kinds to make the world go round, and if she isn't harming you or others then perhaps you could use MORE "baby talk" to lighten you up a bit!