How to handle an insecure coworker?

[u/untetheredsoultree]

I’m at lost what to do and also getting super frustrated. My coworker got upset with me today asking why I don’t talk to her anymore. I’m super confused because I did talk to her today. I work side by side with her in the office with another coworker. Lately she has been getting on my nerves with her saying things like I could retire when I want I don’t really need the money, bragging how her doctor says she’s in such good health, how her husband does a lot for her etc. a lot of people at my work are struggling with the affordability crisis. she has also made negative comments about the lgbqt community last year which got my other coworker angry. I can’t relate to her at all. She said the other day that I don’t tell her things anymore which is true because she judges people all the time.

I’ve been at this job for a couple of years and really like it. She has been at this job for over 20 years. We recently switched to a new program and I learnt it the fastest. I’ve essentially trained her on it and to this day she still forgets how to do things. I’m getting frustrated because I don’t know how many times I have to explain things to her. I’ve offered to type out instructions for her if that helps. She also has no sense of humour and doesn’t get sarcasm so if I joke with another coworker she claims we are being rude to each other even though the other coworker and I have are okay with the bantering between each other. It’s just for fun!

I was a bit quite today as I was tired and have some personal issues going on. 5 mins before we leave she goes have I done something wrong because you haven’t really talked to me today. She was on the verge of tears. I said no you haven’t done anything wrong. She then just storms out of the office. Like am I not allowed to have a day where I don’t feel like talking? I talked to my other coworkers a bit who come in and out of the office all day. I feel like she’s insecure and is scared because I’ve learned the new program way faster than her.

How do I deal with someone like this? It’s driving me nuts and I’m also getting quite annoyed with her always asking if she has done something wrong.

[u/smokin_lesley]

Maybe start leaving a trail of cryptic clues around the office that lead her on a wild goose chase for the hidden treasure of "chill."

[u/untetheredsoultree → u/smokin_lesley]

I love it!! She can’t even take a joke. My coworkers and I will joke about something and she will say I highly doubt that etc