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The original was posted on /r/relationships by /u/throwawaywork95 on 2024-01-20 21:40:05+00:00.
TL;DR is basically the title, but here's the longer version:
I (30m) recently started my job 1 year ago.
Initially 2 female colleagues starting giving me the silent treatment, and now around 7 (18-40F) are doing the same, that's around half of all the women at my workplace. They will respond to professional queries etc, but will not return a hello, goodbye, etc or make conversation. One of those female colleagues is leaving (~6 months since she started her silent treatment) and i'm now genuinely curious as to whether it's because of me.
I truly have no idea why these colleagues feel this way about me, but the sheer number of people involved leaves me feeling convinced that I am in the wrong and have done something awful that i'm unaware of (i'm somewhat worried to find out what awful thing I may have done) - If this is the case I would love to have the opportunity to take accountability for it and make up for it. Or maybe they just don't like me as a person? Alternatively, I also wonder if it's a rumour that's gotten out of hand; this is the best case scenario as far as i'm concerned, as I wouldn't have truly done anything awful.
It's odd to me that the male colleagues in my workplace are okay with me and still very friendly. It makes me wonder if the offending act I may have done could have been sexual in nature (I would 100% would never intentionally do anything like that, and i'd be mortified to have been thought to do anything of the sort).
Needless to say the experience has made work both unpleasant and extremely awkward. I'm also questioning my integrity as a person. I'm more than happy to get on with my day and work, but i'd rather get on well with my colleagues if I can help it.
I really just need advice on what to do. This job pays extremely well and is quite local, i'd rather not change if I can help it but I'd prefer not to work in an unpleasant environment. Should I just continue to ignore it? Should I ask a colleague or my boss about it? Should I change jobs?
Thanks for reading.