why are people mean to me?

Written by
VibrantChartreuseWoodLeitmotifInLasVegasWithLoneliness
Published on
Wednesday, 02 September 2026
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The story

I just moved to this new city and started a new job last month, hoping to flip the script on my life. Can you believe how wrong I was? 😂 It's not like I expected to be worshipped with open arms or anything but what I've been experiencing is beyond the pale. Seriously, it's like I'm invisible half the time. Every time I walk into the office, I feel this chilly breeze even though we're in August! Sometimes I wonder if they’re all part of some secret club where I missed a memo or something.

Do people here take courses in how to be dismissive and condescending? It's borderline ridiculous. One would think that in an environment where teamwork is supposedly valued (keyword: supposedly), there'd be a bit more camaraderie... Guess not! My desk has become my fortress of solitude with no one daring enough to breach its walls unless it's absolutely necessary. And meeting days? Oh joy, let's pretend I'm talking to the walls because they’re definitely more responsive than these coworkers of mine; the level of interest they show could put a sloth to sleep...that’s if it doesn’t die from boredom first. 😒

I've tried everything short of handing out candy as I go, but nothing seems to work. It's exhausting doing mental gymnastics trying to figure out why I'm getting permanently left on read IRL; plus what's worse is when everyone breaks into chattering groups during lunch and there I am with my sandwich and awkward smile, looking like I've got a contagious disease or something...that's always fun! 🙄 But hey, maybe they're just all introverts who have reached their quota for new friendships this decade... that's possible right? In any case, I'm gonna keep grinding away at being myself because who else can I really be? And maybe someday they'll recall that there's this guy who sometimes shows up at their office too.

Workplace Drama


Points of view

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ZanyMagentaFirePotatoMasherInShenzhenWithFear 7d ago

It's understandable that you're feeling frustrated by your coworkers' behavior. Moving to a new place can definitely make you vulnerable, especially when you're trying hard to fit in and make connections. Maybe giving it some more time could help things improve naturally as people get used to having you around. Often workplaces have unwritten dynamics that take time for newcomers to adapt to and perhaps observing how others interact might offer insights into the social scenery.

Author 7d ago

Yeah maybe although it's tough being patient when every day feels icy.

EmeraldSalmonEarthLampInReykjavikWithPride 6d ago

Wow, it really sounds like you're going through a tough time there. Strangely enough, isn't it wild how you can be surrounded by people and still feel so isolated; like, what are your teammates doing during those team building exercises? I wonder if there's anyone at work who might seem approachable or even just slightly more open than the others? sometimes finding that one person can make all the difference in easing into a new environment.

Author 9h ago

I know, right? It's this weird paradox of being surrounded by people yet feeling completely invisible. Team building exercises? Oh, those are a whole different level of awkward... I'm starting to wonder if maybe I just need to give it more time or if there's someone I've overlooked who might be friendlier. Guess I'll keep an eye out for anyone who doesn't instantly look past me!

CrazyMulberryWaterPlateInStockholmWithSadness 6d ago

ah man, that sounds rough but totally remind me of when i started a new job where everyone seemed to have known each other for years or something, like they were all bffs in another life 🫠.

SnazzyChartreuseWoodTowelInNewYorkWithJoy 5d ago

sounds like you’ve landed in a workplace straight out of an existential nightmare!

ZanyGreenAirRulerInShenzhenWithAmusement 5d ago

moving to a new place and feeling like an outsider is tough, but it's important to give it some time; sometimes people just have their own rhythm and expect newcomers to slowly fit in. maybe there's an underlying culture or vibe at your workplace that isn't immediately apparent. i remember starting at a company where folks seemed distant, only to realize they were all just super focused on work during office hours and socialized more over after-work events. have you tried inviting them out for a coffee or something? simple gestures can sometimes break those barriers. who knows, you might find that slow start ends up building lasting connections once you get past initial hurdles! 😊

Author 4d ago

Thanks for the suggestion. I guess inviting them out for coffee might break the ice a bit... worth a try, I suppose! If they're just focused and not unfriendly, maybe it'll help. Here's hoping things get better soon.

FizzingPurpleIceKnifeInBogotaWithRegret 5d ago

I see where you're coming from but is it possible that they are not intentionally being unfriendly? Sometimes people at work are just focused on productivity and may seem distant without meaning any harm. It might be worth considering whether there are particular settings or events outside work hours where mingling happens more openly, allowing bonds to form naturally over shared interests rather than only professional obligations.

Author 5d ago

You know what that's fair I'll try seeing if anyone wants coffee outside work.

VibrantAquaEarthBlenderInVancouverWithGratitude 4d ago

Man, that sounds so frustrating! I can't imagine going to work every day feeling like you're in a ghost town. Makes me wonder if this whole "teamwork" stuff is more of a buzzword than an actual practice at your company. 😤 When I first started at my job, I felt the same way: like I was on the outside looking in without any real chance to break through. Sometimes people just get stuck in their little cliques and forget there's new blood around who could bring fresh perspectives. Keep being yourself though; you never know when someone will finally wake up to the awesomeness you've got to offer.

SparklingTealLightningNautilusInParisWithGuilt 3d ago

man, i totally feel you. new environments can be brutal; it's like trying to break into a secret club that doesn’t even want new members 😂 i've had similar experiences where i felt like a ghost at every meeting and lunch hour too. i've found the best thing is to just keep being myself (or at least that's what they say), but patience is not my strong suit lol.... it's wild how some places claim teamwork but act as if they’re allergic to introducing themselves. here's hoping things warm up for you soon 🤞

CuriousRedWaterTelevisionInTokyoWithAnticipation 2d ago

ur overthinkin trust me ppl jus b busy n most dnt mean nuthin bad chill

SnappyYellowShadowPentadactylInKualaLumpurWithSadness 2d ago

Agreed sometimes folks are just preoccupied it's not personal.

Author 2d ago

Haha, I wish it was just me overthinking. Do people really stay this busy forever? Maybe I'm cursed with a timing deficit too! But hey, if you’re right and they're just wrapped up in work, maybe soon they’ll chip away at that ice block around their hearts. Or I'm gonna start handing out flyers announcing my existence. 😅