There’s an AE in the office who I particularly don’t like. Normally I’m quite friendly to almost all of my co-workers. But when she approaches me I already feel one of my eyebrows rising. And of all the AEs in the office she’s the one I snap at most often.
After one particularly irritating exchange with her, I stopped and asked myself why I don’t like her. And my conclusion was this: I especially hate it when complete strangers come up to me and start acting as if we’re close and chummy with one another. It’s one thing for you to be cordial and friendly; it’s another if you start giving me backrubs while you’re briefing me with your first job order! Ano tayo, CLOSE?
I prefer a respectful distance when dealing with me. And I choose whom I allow to get closer to me. With some folks the connection is effortless; after the first ten minutes we’re chatting as if we’ve known each other for years. With others the connection takes time.
I’m a person who keeps people at bay. It’s a form of control I exert as a means of self-protection. On the personal front I realize that’s one of the reasons why I’m still single, and I’ve taken steps to allow myself some risks.
But on a professional setting, keeping people at bay helps me keep things neutral and on a professional level. Don’t ever make the mistake of making the professional personal.
And never, never assume that I even like you. Eh girl ka pa. Heller.
9 comments:
kaw naman joel...baka naman kasi she's just being friendly. hahahaha!
sige ka...do you want her to be the reason for your early retirement? :-)
PAO: There's a difference between friendly and feeling familiar. Assuming siya eh.
If I'm going to take early retirement, I'll have a dozen reasons that won't involve her. She's the least of my concerns.
Hi Joel! Baka naman she thinks you're nice and friendly kaya wala siyang bahid ng hesitation na lapitan ka ng super sobrang close. Ako rin, ayoko din ng mga feeling close, tsaka nung mga super nice na tao kahit hindi naman bagay. Naaalibadbaran ako.
"And never, never assume that I even like you. Eh girl ka pa. Heller."
hahaha, this last statement had me in stitches. it is such a drag that some people can be that annoying.
i recently had such an incident where a friend brought with him a total stranger to my place. he was cheeky, "pa-tweetums" and kept on flashing statements that had subtle come-ons for something intimate - the kind of statements that send clanging alarm bells in the mind warning of danger.
in the end, i told him off. i quote my own self, "you know what dong? i am sure you're good friends with my friend. but honestly, let's keep this simple - i don't like you. thank you."
methinks he's the one sending me anonymous sms messages like "fuck you." "ang yabang mo!" etc., since yesterday.
sigh...
peculiarity of agency life: you creative guys are divas who have to be pleased to get any work done. (ex-AE ako no?) but true, her style is bulok. kasi siguro, hindi bukal sa loob. obvious na nagpapalakas lang para magawa ang trabaho.
i remember our CD who was TERROR OF ACCT MGT. my 1st day of work and she happens to be doing the copy for my client. nanginginig ako. i didnt try to be pa-chummy. but i slowly, surely won her over. and we remain friends to this day!
it really helps to have harmonious relationships with everybody BUT sincerity is key.
DANIEL: I never told her off. So far she has only done it once, so I feel that telling her off may be premature. (Pa-close may not really be her default style.) But I also wouldn't want to be as blunt as you when it comes to a co-worker. The work environment is different; after all, she and I will have to work together whether we like it or not. I agree with Closet Case that keeping a harmonious working relationship is ultimately helpful.
CORPORATE CLOSET: I too was an AE for a time. Hindi lahat ng creatives ay diva. At may mga AEs din na feeling diva. :-)
and don't we just loooove to hate those AEs na pa-feeling diva na hindi naman.
And never, never assume that I even like you. Eh girl ka pa. Heller.
love this part. oo nga naman. heller.
anyways, nakiki-jump in lang po. hope you don't mind.
BLOGGER 8508: Nope, I don't mind at all. Ika nga ni Madonna, "Yes, I'm ready to jump / Just take my hand / get ready to jump"
:-)
ahahaha. thanks.
Erik. 8508's just to keep divas na walang "k" at bay. joke.
seriously, loving your funny blog.
Post a Comment