backagain wrote:
Since I am in my 50's I have been through many situations in work and school that have taught me to be suspicious. Over the years in both types of settings there have been a few instances of people latching on because they thought I would be of benefit because I had a skill or knowledge of something they needed.
I am back in school and it seems to be happening, but please tell me if you think I am overreacting. Woman around 30, very social, almost pushy is in three of my classes. She showed up 45 minutes to the first class we were in together, (and I am thinking "jeez, what a flake"), tries asking me things during the lecture. I kind of shake my head. Later same day she starts talking to me before another class, we discover we have three classes together (or more accurately she pointed out she had seen me in another class), she asks if I will be lab partner etc. Turns out she shows up for classes unprepared, brags about how she can mooch printing free since her husband works at the school, chatters (during lectures) even after I told her I have a hard time hearing sometimes and need to focus on the instructor. Uses her phone during lectures, etc etc. Even got snarky about how I wasn't very nice that first meeting and after her mentioning three times, I finally said "you show up 45 minutes late first day of class so I thought you were a flake". She is pot smoker, working on a masters, bragged about how she slid by getting her bachelors, said she was glad she found me because she was afraid all these "kids" in the classes wouldn't take things seriously enough.
Given the short period of time, the fact she seems to put forth little effort before classes to have things printed, the right book, be logged onto the study site, etc, and how "attached" she seems to want to be to me, I am afraid this lazy person sees me as someone that will help her get through classes.
It's just weird how latched on she seems.
Any input? Sorry for the long post!
One thing you can do to get her to leave you alone is shush her while she is talking during the lecture. After you hear her starting a conversation turn toward her, put your index finger to your lips and go "shhhhhhhh." then turn toward the instructor, sharply. She will not feel comfortable talking to you much after that. If she does, just "shhhh" her again, unless it's not during the lecture. Then you can make an excuse and move away, or make an excuse and leave altogether, only to return and act evasive toward her. She will either start avoiding you in return, or she will ask you what's going on. If she asks you, you can tell her what you posted here, that she is bugging you by showing up late and talking, etc.
People can usually tell when you are irritated at them if you act this way toward them.
27 Jan 2011, 5:31 pm
