Find solution
How do I deal with an overly assertive and outgoing co-worker?

How do I deal with this coworker?

  • I have this coworker, who is constantly asking myself, and other coworkers for favors. The thing about it is, anytime we tell her no, we cannot do that, she will start crying. For example, I was eating lunch, and she asked me for some. I told her I'm sorry, but I didn't bring enough to share, and she started crying and said I can't afford to buy lunch. Another time, she asked a coworker to borrow her ipod for the weekend. My coworker told her no, and she started bawling, and said it's just for the weekend but ok. She does this anytime you tell her no, and she is always asking for favors. She is not a child. She is 32. How do we deal with this. Management knows, but I think they are scared to say anything to her, in fear of her having a nervous breakdown.

  • Answer:

    Just keep turning her down. Sorry, I don't see how you can do otherwise. But don't give reasons, or argue with her. Just say "Sorry, I can't." When she presses, "Because it's just impossible" and other vague variations. Giving reasons makes it seem as though you have some OBLIGATION to feed her or give her your things, or whatever. You don't. When she starts crying hand her a facial tissue, and get on with your life.

Roxy at Yahoo! Answers Visit the source

Was this solution helpful to you?

Other answers

Just keep saying no and next time she starts crying, hand her a tissue. Sorry but she will learn, eventually, that she can't have her own way. Hopefully she'll get the message and stop asking. KD

ihaveasexyhusband

Tell her to grow the fook up maybe. Seriously, balls up and tell ol girl to pizz off.

bigum420

You need to prepare a little extra lunch so that when approached by this coworker next time, you can gladly give her some. Be sure to put plenty of Ex-lax in the food so that she will never ask again and in the short term, you won't be seeing much of her, unless of course, you go to the restroom.

bukakitonight

She is either has mental problems or she thinks by crying people will cave in and give her what she wants. I would just flat out ignore her. When she asks for something, just say no and walk away. Leave her standing there crying. I think you all should go to management though. That is ridiculous.

Hellz Kellz

Whenever you are dealing with a pushy person, you have to be firm about it because this person who sounds like a user and greedy.

Anonymous

Keep saying know. she must have a mental handicap.

Sue B

Continue telling her 'NO' and hand her a box of tissues.

Linda R

just gather some courage and tell her upfront that what she does is not right

Partha

Related Q & A:

Just Added Q & A:

Find solution

For every problem there is a solution! Proved by Solucija.

  • Got an issue and looking for advice?

  • Ask Solucija to search every corner of the Web for help.

  • Get workable solutions and helpful tips in a moment.

Just ask Solucija about an issue you face and immediately get a list of ready solutions, answers and tips from other Internet users. We always provide the most suitable and complete answer to your question at the top, along with a few good alternatives below.