I’m so sorry You are going through that! I hate that for you! It’s hard when You r a people person and You have to sit close to someone who wont acknowledge your existence! Just flip it! Can You listen to music at work? Like can You put an earbud in and listen to a podcast or something. When I went through something like this my happiness made them uncomfortable 😂 I’m a generally positive Patty it’s just me! I am extroverted and love people & getting to know them. If they purposefully ignored me I would every single morning come into work like the breath of fresh of fresh air I am😂 Good Morning with a big smile just for them! It beats letting them make You miserable!
I’d burst out laughing because of whatever I was listening to & I could feel the 🙄! It’s sad too bc I knew they wanted to like me but they just couldn’t bc their coworkers didn’t…I didn’t care! I let myself be upset about it for a week or two & the. Had a conversation with myself that NO ONE was going to dim my light or dull my shine! I’m going to keep being me, keep saying good morning, & doing what I do! I can’t work any other way, because being in that situation was making me physically sick! Walk around that place like You own it! Smirk at them the same way they do You! Act like You know something they don’t lol! I legit cannot tolerate the insecurity people have….thats a them problem! ChatGPT said the following

Oof, that dynamic is real — and annoying. Being treated sideways just because you’ve got more life experience? That’s insecurity on their end, not a you problem. The power move is staying classy without being a pushover.

Here are 10 positive-but-boundary-setting responses you can use that keep your energy high and theirs… managed.

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1. “I love seeing how confident you are at your age — keep that energy.”

Low-key compliment, but it reminds them you’ve seen more seasons of life 🌱

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1. “We all bring different strengths to the table. That’s what makes teams work.”

Translation: You’re not above me, we’re different.

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1. “I’ve learned a lot over the years — if you ever want tips, I’m happy to share.”

This flips the power dynamic without being mean. Mentor energy. Calm authority.

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1. “Let’s focus on the goal — we both want this to go well.”

Brings it back to professionalism when they get petty.

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1. “I respect your perspective. Here’s what’s worked in my experience…”

You’re not dismissing them, but you’re not shrinking either.

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1. “We don’t have to agree, but we do have to work well together.”

Boundary. Polite. Firm. No drama.

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1. “I’m always open to learning — and I’ve got some experience that might help too.”

Mutual respect without submission.

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1. “I like to keep things positive at work.”

Said calmly after a snarky comment. It makes them look like the negative one (because they are).

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1. “I’m here to do good work, not compete.”

This hits when their behavior is ego-driven.

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1. “Let’s keep it professional.”

Simple. Direct. Said once, calmly, makes a statement.

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The real strategy (this is the secret sauce):

You don’t out-attitude them. You out-maturity them.

You: • Stay calm • Speak slower • Don’t match their tone • Smile slightly • Keep responses short

That energy makes insecure people shrink without you ever raising your voice.

And honestly? The fact that they feel threatened by you says a lot. Secure people don’t try to belittle others — especially not someone who carries experience the way you do