Overwhelmed by being in groups of women

Zen888 · Sep 01, 2008 at 04:15 PM

I will be entering a program that is largely consists of all women. I feel intmidated (excuse my spelling) and don't look forward to the cattyness. What are your thoughts on this? How do I overcome this? How do I get comfortable being around so many women?

Sep 01, 2008 at 08:06 PM

This one is a difficult one for me too.. as I have always worked with men..

For me.... keeping to myself... but not being "snooty" - and also... never commenting or agreeing to a comment that someone else makes about another woman in the group helps... not.. telling anyone anything about your personal life... that helps...

ECHOES · Sep 01, 2008 at 08:37 PM

This group will be your opportunity to learn. It will be your chance to notice what it is that bothers you so you can explore what that means to you.

Avoiding the opportunity will keep you stuck.
Welcoming the opportunity with curiosity will allow you to learn and grow!

I don't know if you have a therapist but if you do, then he/she can help you make this a time of learning and noticing and being curious.

nonightowl · Sep 06, 2008 at 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zen888

I will be entering a program that is largely consists of all women. I feel intmidated (excuse my spelling) and don't look forward to the cattyness. What are your thoughts on this? How do I overcome this? How do I get comfortable being around so many women?

I'm assuming you're also a woman, or I think you'd be delighted. LOL Anyway, I agree with Freewill up above. I once worked with an ALL female department, including the 3 bosses. It was one of the worse places I've ever worked in. Catty is an understatement.

Personally, I prefer working with men. They are more straightforward, and rarely two faced or petty. If a man is your enemy, you KNOW he's your enemy. He makes it clear. Well, I wish I had seen Freewill's advice back then' it might have been better. I wish you well. Keep in mind that it won't be forever, that the day does end, etc. I've found men to be better bosses, neighbors, co-workers, and friends. Not in all cases of course, but for the most part.

sunrise · Sep 11, 2008 at 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zen888

I will be entering a program that is largely consists of all women. I feel intmidated (excuse my spelling) and don't look forward to the cattyness. What are your thoughts on this? How do I overcome this? How do I get comfortable being around so many women?

Not all the women will be catty or unpleasant. Hang out with the ones you get along with, and don't seek the company of the ones who annoy you. I always tell my teenage daughter to just leave the conversation if it turns catty or gossipy. You're not obligated to participate in that crap, and your leaving those conversations sends a message. You can also say something like, "Oh, I hate gossip, let's not talk about the others in the program." This will shame the person doing the gossip and you will probably find you have allies in the conversation group who also don't really like gossip but were too spineless to say anything. Set a good example! As ECHOES said, this is a great opportunity for you to grow. And maybe others will grow too, because of your leadership.

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Overwhelmed by being in groups of women

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Zen888 Grand Magnate Member Since Oct 2005 Posts: 3,886 18 47 hugs given	Sep 01, 2008 at 04:15 PM #1 I will be entering a program that is largely consists of all women. I feel intmidated (excuse my spelling) and don't look forward to the cattyness. What are your thoughts on this? How do I overcome this? How do I get comfortable being around so many women?
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freewill Guest Posts: n/a	Sep 01, 2008 at 08:06 PM #2 This one is a difficult one for me too.. as I have always worked with men.. For me.... keeping to myself... but not being "snooty" - and also... never commenting or agreeing to a comment that someone else makes about another woman in the group helps... not.. telling anyone anything about your personal life... that helps...
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