Working for housing exposed me to the behaviors of people younger than me. Just aa adults can be deeply flawed and insecure, so can young adults. I wish I could say everyone I work with is pleasant and mature, but I can't help but notice, (whether it be because of my age or otherwise) the insecure petty things my coworkers do. I think I should not focus on it so much that I upset myself, but I should still stay aware. I am on a project with someone who is known for problematic behavior. Their insecurities made worse with each pathetic attempt at making jokes at other's expense. Jokes about another person are, in my eyes, a social contract. Between friends, joking at eachother's expense helps with bonding, so long as the end goal is to make the other person laugh and show your closeness to them. There is an understanding where one person hints "Yes, I see your joke, I'm not hurt here is another joke, take a hit at me. Let's riff off of eachother". This social contract is broken when the intention is to elevate one's self. When someone brags, looks around for approval and takes a hit at another person to make themselves look better. The people with the deepest insecurites tend to do this. Poking and prodding at their percieved flaws of others to distract from their own failings.
I think the best thing to do is manage my reactions. A strong reaction gives attention. It might not be the validation they want, but sometimes the attention is enough. Some people need to be handled like a classroom. Ignore the behavior you don't care for and they will figure out that acting out will not help them advance in life. It's really offputting when people exhibit these attention seeking behaviors. The pathetic attempts at being cool over any real movement towards pursuing a genuine passion. I pity those that are slaves to the opinions of others. I should be grateful that I am free enough to pursue my interests.
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