cross-posted from: https://linux.community/post/906126
I’ve observed if I say nothing (because I simply don’t know how to react), opinionated people think you agree with them, which I don’t. I don’t care.
what I want to tell him, next time he starts ranting: ‘I don’t care what you think, leave me alone’.
However, I may have to work with this person in the future, so what about ‘you don’t have to tell me everything you think, most of the time I don’t pay attention’ and if he keeps pushing it ‘it’s tiring working with a person who has to rant to feel good, it’s boring and makes me ignore you, which is a problem, because we work together.’ And leave.
What about ‘everybody has problems, maybe talk to a therapist? I cannot help you’.
Or maybe simply leaving when he starts his rants?
Its hard to say without knowing your restrictions at work. In an open office I would grab my laptop and go work somewhere else. I assume you can’t do that? If I could not do that can I wear headphones and listen to music while I work? If not that can I wear ear plugs? I find ear plug ignoring the person becomes aware you really can’t hear them and eventually they try to get your attention then you pull it out and say sorry you use these to help your concentration. im not sure after that this is a social situation that you sorta figure out as you are there so all I got is possible physical space hacks. Oh if you have any phone calls or meetings always apologize and say your coworker talks a lot.