I work in an office environment. Our cubicles are partitioned so that each aisle has rows of 2 cubicles side by side with a small walkway in between. When I first started working there a year ago, I became friendly (as a professional courtesy) with my neighbour who sits directly across from me. Then she got a little too "friendly" physically. I'm pretty sure it was platonic (since we are both girls) but it made me very uncomfortable. I started avoiding her but it was hard since she sits beside me everyday. Over the PAST YEAR, I've noticed that she imitates everything I do -- my mannerisms, the way I talk on the phone with clients, the way I laugh, the way I walk, the way I tie my hair up, what I order for lunch, wear the same style of boots. When I get up to chat with other co-workers, she gets up too. When I sit back down, she sits back down. There was even a period of time where I would get up to use the washroom and I would always bump into her on my way out. In a conversation with another co-worker, she mentioned that imitation is a form of flattery. It is getting extremely annoying and frustrating. I feel compelled to be different from her so I am constantly doing something different, but it eventually gets imitated. I want to focus my energy on work, but I feel like I can't be me anymore. I could see her watching me all the time, observing what else she can copy. I want to confront her, but I don't want to cause conflict at work and draw attention. I don't want to do anything to rock the boat at work, so to speak. But if I continue to sit there and do nothing, I feel like I'm going to go crazy soon. What should I do??

Clough

You have a supervisor or office manager of some kind. Correct? If you do, then I would speak with them concerning the situation and see if you could move to another cubicle. A confrontation of any kind with this person is not going to be good. It should not have to be happening at your workplace. You need to be able to do your work in peace.

If you have a supervisor or manager, I would say the following to them, and that would be: "I really like working here. And, I really want to do a good job. But, I am having a problem concerning one of my co-workers. The problem is this (describe problem.) Is there any way that you could help me with this problem so that I can continue to do my work to the best efficiency and accuracy for the company?" Or, something like that.

Gurshalyulo

well I was in a situation like youself, just not as bad. If she like wears the same shirt as you, be a jerk about it.. be like thats my shirt why the hell are you wearin it, it looks retarded on you. or when you KNOW that she is coming into the bathroom write a note and tape it to the bathroom door saying.. $200 dollars says w/e her name is.. is going to come in 3...2....1.. just be childish abou it and shell stop.. she wont want to mimick a 5 year old