Friend/Co-Worker isn’t a Fan of my Girlfriend

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Recently I have encountered a problem. I am part of a group in my workplace almost from the time I started working at my firm. We have obviously become close friends and know about not only our professional but personal lives. My problem is with one of my friends/co-group member.



He met my girlfriend and recently he has stated to refer to as Lady Evil. Just because she admires my professionalism and looks out for me has either made him jealous or something and it’s bugging me.



It’s affecting my professional relationship with him especially when he mentions the nickname to the other members in the group and I’m glad he doesn’t say that to her face or we’ll most definitely end up in a fight.



What advice can you offer me that would not only help me maintain my professional relationship while also keeping my relationship with both him and my girlfriend intact?







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  • 2




    Is your girlfriend a coworker as well? Pulling your friend aside and let him know you dont like the nickname is always the best first step.
    – JasonJ
    Jun 16 '16 at 18:39
















up vote
5
down vote

favorite












Recently I have encountered a problem. I am part of a group in my workplace almost from the time I started working at my firm. We have obviously become close friends and know about not only our professional but personal lives. My problem is with one of my friends/co-group member.



He met my girlfriend and recently he has stated to refer to as Lady Evil. Just because she admires my professionalism and looks out for me has either made him jealous or something and it’s bugging me.



It’s affecting my professional relationship with him especially when he mentions the nickname to the other members in the group and I’m glad he doesn’t say that to her face or we’ll most definitely end up in a fight.



What advice can you offer me that would not only help me maintain my professional relationship while also keeping my relationship with both him and my girlfriend intact?







share|improve this question

















  • 2




    Is your girlfriend a coworker as well? Pulling your friend aside and let him know you dont like the nickname is always the best first step.
    – JasonJ
    Jun 16 '16 at 18:39












up vote
5
down vote

favorite









up vote
5
down vote

favorite











Recently I have encountered a problem. I am part of a group in my workplace almost from the time I started working at my firm. We have obviously become close friends and know about not only our professional but personal lives. My problem is with one of my friends/co-group member.



He met my girlfriend and recently he has stated to refer to as Lady Evil. Just because she admires my professionalism and looks out for me has either made him jealous or something and it’s bugging me.



It’s affecting my professional relationship with him especially when he mentions the nickname to the other members in the group and I’m glad he doesn’t say that to her face or we’ll most definitely end up in a fight.



What advice can you offer me that would not only help me maintain my professional relationship while also keeping my relationship with both him and my girlfriend intact?







share|improve this question













Recently I have encountered a problem. I am part of a group in my workplace almost from the time I started working at my firm. We have obviously become close friends and know about not only our professional but personal lives. My problem is with one of my friends/co-group member.



He met my girlfriend and recently he has stated to refer to as Lady Evil. Just because she admires my professionalism and looks out for me has either made him jealous or something and it’s bugging me.



It’s affecting my professional relationship with him especially when he mentions the nickname to the other members in the group and I’m glad he doesn’t say that to her face or we’ll most definitely end up in a fight.



What advice can you offer me that would not only help me maintain my professional relationship while also keeping my relationship with both him and my girlfriend intact?









share|improve this question












share|improve this question




share|improve this question








edited Jun 16 '16 at 18:46









David K

20.8k1075110




20.8k1075110









asked Jun 16 '16 at 18:10









James L

262




262







  • 2




    Is your girlfriend a coworker as well? Pulling your friend aside and let him know you dont like the nickname is always the best first step.
    – JasonJ
    Jun 16 '16 at 18:39












  • 2




    Is your girlfriend a coworker as well? Pulling your friend aside and let him know you dont like the nickname is always the best first step.
    – JasonJ
    Jun 16 '16 at 18:39







2




2




Is your girlfriend a coworker as well? Pulling your friend aside and let him know you dont like the nickname is always the best first step.
– JasonJ
Jun 16 '16 at 18:39




Is your girlfriend a coworker as well? Pulling your friend aside and let him know you dont like the nickname is always the best first step.
– JasonJ
Jun 16 '16 at 18:39










3 Answers
3






active

oldest

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up vote
17
down vote













In a one on one conversation with them, "I don't like you calling name Lady Evil. I would appreciate it if you would stop." If it is a misunderstanding establishing this boundary should be enough.






share|improve this answer

















  • 2




    +1 It might be helpful to try and probe why he started using the nickname in the first place. If the colleague perceives the OP's girlfriend to be a back-driving byzantine schemestress, that's something useful to know.
    – rath
    Jun 16 '16 at 18:27

















up vote
4
down vote













You have a personal relationship with this person, simply ask him to stop. It doesn't matter why he's calling her that, whether he thinks it's justified or not, or his intentions; if you feel disrespected he should have the courtesy to understand that and put an end to it. We can hope, at least.






share|improve this answer




























    up vote
    2
    down vote













    What this comes down to is boundaries. How close you guys are will affect how diplomatic you should be.



    A very close friend you suddenly stop spending time with in favor of your new girlfriend might feel abandoned, and act up a bit (a sign of immaturity, but not necessarily that he's a terrible person). In this situation you should certainly ask him to stop slandering her, but also analyze your own behavior and maybe make more of an effort to reconnect with him.



    There also exists a possibility - if this is a close friend who typically has your back - that he perceives something in this girl that you don't see, in which case it's also worth it to talk things out and find out his point of view. I still think that his behavior is immature, however.



    If, however, he's more of a "buddy" toward whom you feel no special loyalty, and is severely overstepping his bounds then you should not hessitate to firmly enforce your boundaries. The next time he says something take him aside and in no uncertain terms tell him that you don't appreciate his attitude, and would like him to stop. No need to be rude, but definitely make it clear that you're being serious, and be prepared to escalate things, or maybe even cut social (outside-work) contact with him if his attitude persists.



    You need to decide the level of access you wish to allow these people (work mates) into your life. Consider this: if you were to quit your job tomorrow, would you maintain close contact with any of them? If the answer is no, or that you're not sure, then that's a sure-fire sign that maybe you should slowly separate them from some aspects of your life. Set up boundaries so that they understand that their opinions on your personal life are off limits. This does not mean that you need to be rude, or never hang out with them, but it does mean that some conversations, opinions, or developments in your life should remain private, and that some lines of inquiry should be deflected in the future.




    For example, the only reason this person is calling your GF "Lady Evil" is because someone in that circle brought her up - why were you guys even talking about her in the first place?







    share|improve this answer























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      3 Answers
      3






      active

      oldest

      votes








      3 Answers
      3






      active

      oldest

      votes









      active

      oldest

      votes






      active

      oldest

      votes








      up vote
      17
      down vote













      In a one on one conversation with them, "I don't like you calling name Lady Evil. I would appreciate it if you would stop." If it is a misunderstanding establishing this boundary should be enough.






      share|improve this answer

















      • 2




        +1 It might be helpful to try and probe why he started using the nickname in the first place. If the colleague perceives the OP's girlfriend to be a back-driving byzantine schemestress, that's something useful to know.
        – rath
        Jun 16 '16 at 18:27














      up vote
      17
      down vote













      In a one on one conversation with them, "I don't like you calling name Lady Evil. I would appreciate it if you would stop." If it is a misunderstanding establishing this boundary should be enough.






      share|improve this answer

















      • 2




        +1 It might be helpful to try and probe why he started using the nickname in the first place. If the colleague perceives the OP's girlfriend to be a back-driving byzantine schemestress, that's something useful to know.
        – rath
        Jun 16 '16 at 18:27












      up vote
      17
      down vote










      up vote
      17
      down vote









      In a one on one conversation with them, "I don't like you calling name Lady Evil. I would appreciate it if you would stop." If it is a misunderstanding establishing this boundary should be enough.






      share|improve this answer













      In a one on one conversation with them, "I don't like you calling name Lady Evil. I would appreciate it if you would stop." If it is a misunderstanding establishing this boundary should be enough.







      share|improve this answer













      share|improve this answer



      share|improve this answer











      answered Jun 16 '16 at 18:22









      Myles

      25.4k658104




      25.4k658104







      • 2




        +1 It might be helpful to try and probe why he started using the nickname in the first place. If the colleague perceives the OP's girlfriend to be a back-driving byzantine schemestress, that's something useful to know.
        – rath
        Jun 16 '16 at 18:27












      • 2




        +1 It might be helpful to try and probe why he started using the nickname in the first place. If the colleague perceives the OP's girlfriend to be a back-driving byzantine schemestress, that's something useful to know.
        – rath
        Jun 16 '16 at 18:27







      2




      2




      +1 It might be helpful to try and probe why he started using the nickname in the first place. If the colleague perceives the OP's girlfriend to be a back-driving byzantine schemestress, that's something useful to know.
      – rath
      Jun 16 '16 at 18:27




      +1 It might be helpful to try and probe why he started using the nickname in the first place. If the colleague perceives the OP's girlfriend to be a back-driving byzantine schemestress, that's something useful to know.
      – rath
      Jun 16 '16 at 18:27












      up vote
      4
      down vote













      You have a personal relationship with this person, simply ask him to stop. It doesn't matter why he's calling her that, whether he thinks it's justified or not, or his intentions; if you feel disrespected he should have the courtesy to understand that and put an end to it. We can hope, at least.






      share|improve this answer

























        up vote
        4
        down vote













        You have a personal relationship with this person, simply ask him to stop. It doesn't matter why he's calling her that, whether he thinks it's justified or not, or his intentions; if you feel disrespected he should have the courtesy to understand that and put an end to it. We can hope, at least.






        share|improve this answer























          up vote
          4
          down vote










          up vote
          4
          down vote









          You have a personal relationship with this person, simply ask him to stop. It doesn't matter why he's calling her that, whether he thinks it's justified or not, or his intentions; if you feel disrespected he should have the courtesy to understand that and put an end to it. We can hope, at least.






          share|improve this answer













          You have a personal relationship with this person, simply ask him to stop. It doesn't matter why he's calling her that, whether he thinks it's justified or not, or his intentions; if you feel disrespected he should have the courtesy to understand that and put an end to it. We can hope, at least.







          share|improve this answer













          share|improve this answer



          share|improve this answer











          answered Jun 16 '16 at 18:53









          bluescores

          45235




          45235




















              up vote
              2
              down vote













              What this comes down to is boundaries. How close you guys are will affect how diplomatic you should be.



              A very close friend you suddenly stop spending time with in favor of your new girlfriend might feel abandoned, and act up a bit (a sign of immaturity, but not necessarily that he's a terrible person). In this situation you should certainly ask him to stop slandering her, but also analyze your own behavior and maybe make more of an effort to reconnect with him.



              There also exists a possibility - if this is a close friend who typically has your back - that he perceives something in this girl that you don't see, in which case it's also worth it to talk things out and find out his point of view. I still think that his behavior is immature, however.



              If, however, he's more of a "buddy" toward whom you feel no special loyalty, and is severely overstepping his bounds then you should not hessitate to firmly enforce your boundaries. The next time he says something take him aside and in no uncertain terms tell him that you don't appreciate his attitude, and would like him to stop. No need to be rude, but definitely make it clear that you're being serious, and be prepared to escalate things, or maybe even cut social (outside-work) contact with him if his attitude persists.



              You need to decide the level of access you wish to allow these people (work mates) into your life. Consider this: if you were to quit your job tomorrow, would you maintain close contact with any of them? If the answer is no, or that you're not sure, then that's a sure-fire sign that maybe you should slowly separate them from some aspects of your life. Set up boundaries so that they understand that their opinions on your personal life are off limits. This does not mean that you need to be rude, or never hang out with them, but it does mean that some conversations, opinions, or developments in your life should remain private, and that some lines of inquiry should be deflected in the future.




              For example, the only reason this person is calling your GF "Lady Evil" is because someone in that circle brought her up - why were you guys even talking about her in the first place?







              share|improve this answer



























                up vote
                2
                down vote













                What this comes down to is boundaries. How close you guys are will affect how diplomatic you should be.



                A very close friend you suddenly stop spending time with in favor of your new girlfriend might feel abandoned, and act up a bit (a sign of immaturity, but not necessarily that he's a terrible person). In this situation you should certainly ask him to stop slandering her, but also analyze your own behavior and maybe make more of an effort to reconnect with him.



                There also exists a possibility - if this is a close friend who typically has your back - that he perceives something in this girl that you don't see, in which case it's also worth it to talk things out and find out his point of view. I still think that his behavior is immature, however.



                If, however, he's more of a "buddy" toward whom you feel no special loyalty, and is severely overstepping his bounds then you should not hessitate to firmly enforce your boundaries. The next time he says something take him aside and in no uncertain terms tell him that you don't appreciate his attitude, and would like him to stop. No need to be rude, but definitely make it clear that you're being serious, and be prepared to escalate things, or maybe even cut social (outside-work) contact with him if his attitude persists.



                You need to decide the level of access you wish to allow these people (work mates) into your life. Consider this: if you were to quit your job tomorrow, would you maintain close contact with any of them? If the answer is no, or that you're not sure, then that's a sure-fire sign that maybe you should slowly separate them from some aspects of your life. Set up boundaries so that they understand that their opinions on your personal life are off limits. This does not mean that you need to be rude, or never hang out with them, but it does mean that some conversations, opinions, or developments in your life should remain private, and that some lines of inquiry should be deflected in the future.




                For example, the only reason this person is calling your GF "Lady Evil" is because someone in that circle brought her up - why were you guys even talking about her in the first place?







                share|improve this answer

























                  up vote
                  2
                  down vote










                  up vote
                  2
                  down vote









                  What this comes down to is boundaries. How close you guys are will affect how diplomatic you should be.



                  A very close friend you suddenly stop spending time with in favor of your new girlfriend might feel abandoned, and act up a bit (a sign of immaturity, but not necessarily that he's a terrible person). In this situation you should certainly ask him to stop slandering her, but also analyze your own behavior and maybe make more of an effort to reconnect with him.



                  There also exists a possibility - if this is a close friend who typically has your back - that he perceives something in this girl that you don't see, in which case it's also worth it to talk things out and find out his point of view. I still think that his behavior is immature, however.



                  If, however, he's more of a "buddy" toward whom you feel no special loyalty, and is severely overstepping his bounds then you should not hessitate to firmly enforce your boundaries. The next time he says something take him aside and in no uncertain terms tell him that you don't appreciate his attitude, and would like him to stop. No need to be rude, but definitely make it clear that you're being serious, and be prepared to escalate things, or maybe even cut social (outside-work) contact with him if his attitude persists.



                  You need to decide the level of access you wish to allow these people (work mates) into your life. Consider this: if you were to quit your job tomorrow, would you maintain close contact with any of them? If the answer is no, or that you're not sure, then that's a sure-fire sign that maybe you should slowly separate them from some aspects of your life. Set up boundaries so that they understand that their opinions on your personal life are off limits. This does not mean that you need to be rude, or never hang out with them, but it does mean that some conversations, opinions, or developments in your life should remain private, and that some lines of inquiry should be deflected in the future.




                  For example, the only reason this person is calling your GF "Lady Evil" is because someone in that circle brought her up - why were you guys even talking about her in the first place?







                  share|improve this answer















                  What this comes down to is boundaries. How close you guys are will affect how diplomatic you should be.



                  A very close friend you suddenly stop spending time with in favor of your new girlfriend might feel abandoned, and act up a bit (a sign of immaturity, but not necessarily that he's a terrible person). In this situation you should certainly ask him to stop slandering her, but also analyze your own behavior and maybe make more of an effort to reconnect with him.



                  There also exists a possibility - if this is a close friend who typically has your back - that he perceives something in this girl that you don't see, in which case it's also worth it to talk things out and find out his point of view. I still think that his behavior is immature, however.



                  If, however, he's more of a "buddy" toward whom you feel no special loyalty, and is severely overstepping his bounds then you should not hessitate to firmly enforce your boundaries. The next time he says something take him aside and in no uncertain terms tell him that you don't appreciate his attitude, and would like him to stop. No need to be rude, but definitely make it clear that you're being serious, and be prepared to escalate things, or maybe even cut social (outside-work) contact with him if his attitude persists.



                  You need to decide the level of access you wish to allow these people (work mates) into your life. Consider this: if you were to quit your job tomorrow, would you maintain close contact with any of them? If the answer is no, or that you're not sure, then that's a sure-fire sign that maybe you should slowly separate them from some aspects of your life. Set up boundaries so that they understand that their opinions on your personal life are off limits. This does not mean that you need to be rude, or never hang out with them, but it does mean that some conversations, opinions, or developments in your life should remain private, and that some lines of inquiry should be deflected in the future.




                  For example, the only reason this person is calling your GF "Lady Evil" is because someone in that circle brought her up - why were you guys even talking about her in the first place?








                  share|improve this answer















                  share|improve this answer



                  share|improve this answer








                  edited Jun 16 '16 at 20:14


























                  answered Jun 16 '16 at 20:08









                  AndreiROM

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