This is my first time of being in a situation where my coworker doesn’t talk to me and I seem to be totally blank on what could be the reason.

Dear Jane,

Maybe I’m this worried because this is my first time of being in a situation where my coworker doesn’t talk to me and I seem to be totally blank on what could be the reason. The company I work for is where you could rarely be in one office for more than a year. We are usually moved every six (6) months and I was just moved into an office where it’s only two of us; me and Clara (for the sake of this letter).

I understand that most people resort to “silent treatment” each time they are offended, mostly in a romantic relationship. But she’s only a colleague I barely know or have talked to enough. At first, I thought she was too busy on a project the week I came but she has maintained this habit of being a colleague that won’t talk to me or socialize for no reason. Could this be that she’s only being professional? I mean, this my coworker doesn’t talk to me even when there’s a need for us to discuss project strategies, though it doesn’t completely stop us from doing our jobs. I see her communicate well with people in other offices. The one that annoys me most is that Clara would prefer to ignore me, even while I’m making efforts to initiate a conversation with her. Please, how do handle it when my colleague doesn’t talk to me for a reason I can’t find?

Answer

There are a thousand and one reasons why your coworker doesn’t talk to you but that shouldn’t be your priority now. Though it’s very frustrating when your coworker doesn’t talk to you but ignoring it could be your best option until her behavior begins to impact on your ability to work. However, you can handle the situation in two ways if you have already tried confronting Clara with no positive result.

Though this first idea is unconventional, you can defend yourself from Clara’s “silent treatment” by choosing a day to also ignore her. I assure you, no one likes to be ignored and anyone that tries to ignore you is only using a manipulative tactic. Play the game with her by totally behaving as if you’re the only one in your office like she didn’t make it to the office that day.

Note: you are not ignoring her because it’s pleasing to show her how it feels when your colleague doesn’t talk to you at work but to help her find a better means to resolve any dispute she’s projecting by ignoring you. The frustration could break the walls she has built around herself knowing you’re not trying to climb it anymore.

If the manipulative tactic didn’t work, then I’ll suggest you gather all the evidence you need to prove that your coworker doesn’t talk to you. Document it, go to your supervisor and ask for a transfer. That is on a note that her behavior affects your ability to work.

Good luck!

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