this post was submitted on 10 Apr 2025
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I’ve noticed that working with other women in an office can be weirdly difficult sometimes. Like, why is there so much tension? I’ve had way smoother work relationships with male coworkers, and I’m just trying to understand what’s going on.

Some stuff I’ve noticed:

  • Jealousy – It’s like there’s always some silent competition over looks, attention, or even job performance.

  • Competition – Instead of building each other up, it feels like a “who’s better than who” vibe—who looks best today, who’s boss’s favorite, who’s getting ahead faster.

  • Age stuff – Older women sometimes act territorial, and younger women can be kinda cliquey. There’s not always a sense of mentorship or support—more like a power struggle.

  • Attractiveness – If someone is considered really attractive, it causes all kinds of awkward vibes—sometimes subtle shade, sometimes straight-up coldness.

  • Lack of support – I always thought women would have each other’s backs more, but it can feel like everyone’s just out for themselves.

  • Passive-aggressive behavior – Instead of just talking things out, people gossip, throw shade, or give the cold shoulder. Super draining.

I’ve worked with some great women too, don’t get me wrong. But overall, there seems to be this weird undercurrent of competition and tension that I don’t really see with guys at work. Is it insecurity? Society conditioning us to compete instead of collaborate? Just curious if anyone else has noticed this or experienced something similar.

Let’s talk about it.

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[–] [email protected] 5 points 2 days ago (1 children)

This is an excellent post! Passive aggressive really gets me. Looking through someone, pretending you can't hear them, unpleasant "jokes"... it's incomprehensible. Women can get so bitchy and gossipy sometimes and it's horrible.

I don't understand how people can be like this to each other. We all know how hard it is to be a woman in the workplace especially as we are likely doing far more than our fair share of household stuff and child rearing. Women often seem to be tearing each other down which isn't ok.

I once read about how the greatest trick patriarchy ever pulled was getting women to attack each other. I wonder if that's true.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Yea, honestly, it's really bad. It's pretty fucking ridiculous. I mean really, it just makes women look petty, childish, and immature.

Like, you're grown ok grow tf up. Imma stop here lol I've had some experiences lol

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 days ago

I hear you there!

[–] [email protected] 8 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago) (1 children)

Adding one or two low-drama men can make a huge difference. Everyone behaves a little better and keeps their pettiness in check.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 days ago

That's really interesting, what do you think about adding 2 guys changed the environment? Like I wonder why that worked 🤔

[–] [email protected] 5 points 3 days ago (2 children)

I know I'm going to be chewed for this, but my sister used to say "women's worst enemies are other women".

Don't get me wrong, some men are shit too, but I don't think so much as other women (in work settings at least).

[–] [email protected] 3 points 2 days ago

Sadly I think your sister is kinda right. Women can be alright one time, not the next, and sometimes issues NEVER go away.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 days ago

Fuck.. i legit agree though lol

[–] [email protected] 0 points 2 days ago

Give the right example. The contrast in behaviour between someone acting normal and someone acting competitively is pretty obvious to any bystanders.

When as someone being competitive realises other people notice that difference, there's a good chance they think about their behaviour