Have you ever had an overly annoying or meddlesome colleague? You don't want to be rude, but you want him to stop with his attitude. Sometimes we think that a person is too clingy or meddlesome because we don't know them well and they go out of their way to get close to us. Sometimes it only takes a little patience on both sides to resolve the issue.
Steps
Step 1. Stay vague
If he asks where you are going for lunch, tell them that you go to the mall or meet up with a friend to talk about plans for the weekend.
Step 2. Act like you don't know what to do
If he asks you what you're going to do over the weekend, tell him you don't know yet and that's why you're seeing your friend.
Step 3. Don't make commitments
If he asks if he can come too, tell him that you don't have all the details yet and that the number of people to invite strictly depends on the space you will be able to find.
Step 4. Take charge of the situation
If he doesn't understand despite everything, be drier and tell him: “I'm sorry but I'm in a hurry” and pretend you don't hear him as you walk away. Then ask your superior for help.
Step 5. If you are working together on something and start asking questions like this, you might say:
"Can we focus on work, please?" or, with a firm tone: "I'm not in the mood to talk about me" and shift the discussion to what you are doing.
Step 6. If his questions get pressing, like interrogation, make a joke like:
"Since when did you become a cop?" and then quickly change the subject, perhaps starting to talk about an acquaintance who is a cop, all while getting ready for the coffee break.
Step 7. Be succinct, direct to the point and concise
You don't have to give him the details and you have to be honest.
Step 8. If you are unsure or don't want him to know what you are doing, don't tell lies, don't tell him to mind his own business or get defensive, just say "I don't know"
Sometimes it is enough to make him give up. If that's not enough, keep repeating that you don't know. Sooner or later he will get tired of asking questions. Lying and being defensive will make him think you have something to hide and may become even more meddlesome - or even angry.
Step 9. If he asks you too personal questions, don't answer
Just tell him you don't know or don't remember and then go to your parents, boss, supervisor, friend or anyone you can trust when the meddler isn't around.
Step 10. Talk as little as possible about yourself, your friends or family
This applies to written communications, emails, messages and even speeches. Be careful, his questions could be ideas for gossiping and blabbering about your business!
Step 11. Calmly tell him you don't want to talk about it
If he insists or asks why you don't want to talk about it, tell him it doesn't make you feel comfortable and walk away.
Step 12. If you catch someone rummaging through your things (diary, drawers, private documents, emails, etc.)
), approach him by asking him what he is doing or saying, "Can I help you?". If you are brave enough, add in a calm tone, "Please ask my permission before going through my things." Keep calm. If you get angry or defensive, it could be interpreted as a sign that you are trying to hide something.
Advice
To prevent meddlers from poking their noses into your things, you can lock them up or, better yet, use padlocks. The ones with the combination are the best, but remember to always keep it with you. Write your private documents with a computer protected by a password that only you know
Warnings
- Remember that meddles are usually very touchy, because nothing interesting happens in their life.
- If he doesn't get it after three excuses for the same proposition, it means he has some problems and needs friends, or he's a weird guy and needs a hobby. You choose.
- Be careful not to hurt him. Being treated badly all the time can hurt and he will certainly notice what you are doing.
