I can’t stand my brown-nosing coworker and don’t know what to do.
I (30F) work in office and have been in my position for 3.5 years. I have worked under the same supervisor this entire time. Almost 2.5 years ago, my coworker ‘Madi’ (30F) started on our team.
When Madi first started, she clung to our supervisor James (55M) very fast. She was always at his desk talking to him. At first, I chalked it up to her learning the role.
But as the years progressed, her behavior toward him has only escalated. Some examples:
When I returned back from vacation in 2024, she asked if our supervisor texted me while I was away. After I told her no, she said “Oh, James always texts me when I’m on vacation, saying wish you were here (the office).”
She has drawn pictures for James on his whiteboard. During winter, she drew a snowman titled “Frosty James Jr”
She asked other supervisors of when James’ 25 work anniversary was. When she found out, she decorated the entire office and bought him a cake.
A few weeks ago, another worker told me Madi referred to herself as the “best worker” on James’ team.
She follows James around like a puppy dog. Everything he says is hilarious, and she makes a point to laugh very loud.
She refers to herself as James’ secretary.
There are more examples, but it’s getting to a point where it’s affecting my mental health. Unfortunately I’m past the point of being cordial. When I think of her, look at her, or hear her speak, I’m instantly filled with disgust. When we are in the same room, I don’t look at her or talk to her.
I want nothing more than for her to leave, but she won’t. I also feel a lot of her behavior is targeted toward me since I’m the only worker ahead of her seniority-wise on James’ team.