No Cat Fights Allowed

Warning: Strong Language

I admit I have a temper and refuse to take bullshit from anyone, but I recognize there is a time and a place. I give people a chance, but once they cross the line with me, there is no redemption. I will view the individual as a waste of space and not worth my effort. Some of my girlfriends have joked about fearing crossing that line with me, but I can honestly say, I don't see how that is possible because it requires true maliciousness. One guaranteed though is to impune or question my professionalism or work ethic. I work my ass off and give more than 100%, which can not be said of others, so I have no patience for this type of behavior.

Though I have been confronted with colleagues who have crossed this line through the years, I have learned how best to deal with them thanks to some wonderful mentors. I once had an asshole who enjoyed the fact he was in a supervisory position over me as he truly wanted to see me grovel on my knees in a supplicant position. I had a bitch who claimed to be a friend, but nearly got me fired by reporting anything and everything I said to management. I managed alongside a pack of hyenas that didn't bother with stabbing in the back, but instead aimed for the jugular and dropped acid in the wound. I became the manager of a colleague that I had previously threatened with a hostile work environment charge. In essence, I have worked in some major conflict situations.

My mentors have taught me how best to handle these people with plumb, tack, and professionalism, without revealing my true feelings, which are shared with my friends instead. Person A told me to act like a cop. Be absolutely polite while reading someone their rights, all the while driving your knee into their back as you cuff them. Person B said to drown others in sweetness, offering a compliment along with the critique. Person C said to imagine myself strangling the person while smiling and talking kindly to them. I've taken variations of each in my handling of people. Just to make you feel more comfortable with C's suggestion, I can share with my friends that Z is a prick and Y is a shithead or X is a selfish narcissistic bitch, yet when I speak to the individual, I won't use those words.

So yesterday, I was once again confronted with a colleague who crossed a line with me again. Yes, this is the repeat offender. Though my friends knew I was volcanic over the situation, my response to my colleague was very professional and corrective. So you needn't worry that I'll get into a cat fight. I have previously dragged one of my colleagues into the back meeting room for a closed door meeting and have had several "conversations" with the repeat offender, but none have led to me raising my voice, which I would not do at work. I may use my "are you fucking kidding me" voice, but I will never ask "are you fucking kidding me."