I have a negative co-worker

Written by Dr. Ginger Gabriel, Ph.D., M.F.T

I work with a woman who has a very negative personality and she has this habit of disagreeing with whatever is said. My boss is aware of the situation, but he is so passive his only advice is “try to get along”. How do I get along on a day to day basis with this women? I am frustrated and often come home upset by her.

Advice: Give up trying to reason with her or to change her ways. Whatever she says, respond with “That sounds really hard,” “Bummer,” “I don’t think that would work for me,” “Let me see is this what I heard you say,” etc. It may be that she has more than just a negative personality, that life is not pleasant for her, and maybe she doesn’t know how to do it differently. Any explanation on your part will sound like criticism- and she will react. Say to yourself, “this is not about me” and try to get on with your day.