That's just like the time I did something better than you
Posted on 08/10/2005 by sick and tired
Viewed: 880 times
EVERYTIME a story comes up, someone gets sick or someone goes on vacation and comes back and tells people about it, my boss interrupts to tell the group how she can relate.
If someone is sick...SHE'S BEEN SICKER...if someone goes to Jamaica..WELL! SHE'S BEEN TO TURKS AND CAICOS! And if one of us tells about our kids doing well in school...she says "Well, that's like when Kaitlin was Valedictorian, I was so proud I know exactly how you feel." IF ONLY SHE KNEW how I really felt about her one-upmanship. If that's not a word it should be and in the dictionary there should be a picture of her face smiling with a caption that said "That's just like the time I looked up snooty in the dictionary" Anyone have a quick witted comeback that I could use? I should mention that she's my boss, but she's only my boss on paper. She doesn't have any say in my review process for various reasons too long to explain. I feel blinded by my distaste for her and can't think of anything good.
no handle (08/11/2005)
you can tell a story that is either so disgusting or of an embarrassing situation and then turn to her and say "I'm sure something worst has happened to you"
oaklander (08/11/2005)
Hey when she says "That's just like the time I skydived over the Alps, blah blah blah" why don't you just say... "OF COURSE it is." and smile sweetly.
Walk the Planks (08/11/2005)
That seems to be a common thing in the South. I don't know where you are living, but a lot of people do that in the South -- also, keeping up with the Jones'. It comes from their own insecurities and needs to feel important. You would really do well with your boss if you stroked her ego. By the one upsmanship, she's telling you that's what she needs.
chaz (08/13/2005)
Don't let it bother you. You know that you or your family accomplished something, so let it go. Trying to one up her or doing something vengful will only result in workplace problems. Even if she is not involved in your review process, she is your boss's peer and can speak informally to him about you. In this way she can screw you on your appraisal without lifting a finger.
innadaze (08/17/2005)
I have the same situation with a co-worker - she can comment on anything and does - usually it is to toot her own horn - how boring - I finally realized what she was doing and decided I should keep my distance - she can twist any situation to her benefit and make others look stupid - fortunately she has no control over my work - but she still has to be tolerated. I think she is really insecure and making other feel uncomfortable is her forte.
yesfan (11/26/2005)
This is really true in my experience, too: “It comes from their own insecurities and needs to feel important. You would really do well with your boss if you stroked her ego. By the one-upmanship, she's telling you that's what she needs.” I would add, if you can feel compassion instead of anger toward her, realize that even if she is 82, her inner child – I’m not kidding, now – is still badly hurt. And when people are hurt, they can be dangerous. So I also agree with two other posters: “Trying to one-up her or doing something vengeful will only result in workplace problems.” And “I decided I should keep my distance -- she can twist any situation to her benefit and make others look stupid. I think she is really insecure and making other feel uncomfortable is her forte.”
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