gossip

Home

Chat

Blogs

Collection

Directory

Home : 2001 : September : 2

gossip
By Amanda

when I was an aide last year, I ran into the same problem in my lunchroom: people complaining about their students, other teachers, administrators, family, etc. It was pretty irritating. I am also young (23, but I look 16)
and the people I ate lunch with were all between 35-55 years old. What I did was basically played the naive young girl who is oblivious and gets along with everyone. If people complained to me about other people, I never really acknowledged it or took a stand either way. I talked at lunch if it was about something I found appropriate, but otherwise I ate and then left. I found that

staying detached that way helped me. It worked because my co-workers thought of me parentally, so they didn't ever think I was being rude or anything. I just said I had things to do and they were like "oh! isn't she so cute! such a hard worker!"
Maybe if your situation is similar that could work for you. Regardless, don't let it get you down! It's so important to have a positive/healthy mindset, and lunch is your break time!!! If you can't relax in the lunchroom maybe you can get together with a small group of co-workers who aren't as bad and eat in a classroom together. I did that occasionally also to get a break from the same old whining.