I might be beginning to get the hang of Ogre handling.

[derien]

As an example, two completely different interactions with The Ogre, yesterday and today.

Me (calling over the cubical wall): "I'm going to lunch."
Ogre: "How's that report coming?"
Me: "When's it due?"
Ogre: "[Redacted] is waiting for it."
Me *wondering how I can possibly keep from snapping, and pleased to hear my voice quite level*: "Am I not supposed to eat until it's done?"
Ogre: "Go to lunch."
(Meanwhile, cubical neighbors are laughing.)

...

Ogre *referring to a young lady who recently started with us*: "Is that a boy or a girl?"
Me: (repeating her very feminine name) "A girl?"
Ogre: "You can't tell by looking at her."
Me: "She doesn't look the least like a boy to me."
(a little later he tries it again)
Ogre: "She's scarey."
Me: "I think she's cute! :D"
Ogre: "Well, okay then."

In both of these situations I was pleased that A) my voice remained pitched fairly level or with some degree of amusement, and B) I set him back on his heels. ;)

(Also, the girl he's scared of? Cute baby-dyke, so smiling and friendly. I'll be lucky if I can keep my senses and not develop a huge crush, actually. ;))

Comments

[(Anonymous)]

He sounds like he's trying to be deliberately annoying, but I suppose that's how he got his name. Way to go not losing your temper. I'm very bad at that.

[derien.livejournal.com]

Oh, he gave himself his name, that's the only reason I'd use it - he introduced himself to my brother as, "I'm the Ogre." :)

[peak-in-darien.livejournal.com]

Wow. That's just... wow. Kudos to you for keeping a level head!

[derien.livejournal.com]

Thanks. It's... phew. I knew going into this job that he was difficult, but being annoying seems to be the only way he knows how to interact. I think he likes me.