Whether you’re pumped about it or hate it with a burning passion, we all have to work (or at least most of us do) – and that’s the harsh reality.

Some workplaces offer an outstanding environment that pushes folks to achieve the highest standard possible, encouraging them to climb that career ladder by setting a great example and practicing a wholesome and safe approach. However, some organizations follow a more outdated tactic and focus only on the money-driven aspect of employment while ignoring the basic needs of their workers.

When a company doesn’t care about its people, the negativity projects and becomes a norm; it leaves employees to struggle with finding a correct bond with their fellow workmates, impacting an already tense work climate.

For instance, the star of this story: gossiping. This toxic trait remains one of the most unpleasant issues that, to this day, affects employees’ mental and physical states.

More info: Reddit

Image source: Cristian Borquez (not the actual photo)

“AITA for not baking an extra cupcake for my colleague?” – this online user turned to one of Reddit’s well-liked communities wondering whether she was wrong to bake a limited number of cupcakes because she knew that a coworker she’s not on good terms with would refuse to eat them. The post has managed to receive nearly 17K upvotes and 2.5K comments discussing the workplace drama.

Woman wonders if she was wrong to bake a limited number of cupcakes, knowing that a colleague would refuse to eat them

Image source: 848407912181

The woman began her post by pointing out that she loves baking and sharing her baked goods with others.

She proceeded to add that she gets along with everyone in the office, except for an older colleague with whom she has a strained relationship due to events that took place years ago when she first joined the company as a graduate.

The OP has a strained relationship with one of the coworkers in her department

Image source: 848407912181

The 36-year-old colleague had a history of complaining about the OP’s laziness, he loathed cleaning up after her work-related mistakes and was not a fan of her in general. The woman claimed that she asked him for some mentoring so she could generate reports in the way he expected her to – however, she was blatantly told to “follow his style.”

Luckily, she was transferred to another position in the same department and was granted a better mentor.

Fast forward to recent events: The author’s birthday fell on a Sunday, so she decided to bake cupcakes for her work pals and give them to them on Friday to celebrate.

Her birthday was approaching, and she decided to bake some cupcakes – however, she didn’t make one for “Leo” because she knew that he’d turn it down

Image source: 848407912181

The woman considered baking one for her so-called arch-enemy, but she believed that he would turn it down anyway; so instead, she made 24 cupcakes when there were 25 department members, excluding her.

Friday comes and she arrives at the office with her baked goods that took her the whole night to bake.

At work, the woman went around the tables offering her workmates the baked goods, and when she approached “Leo,” he rejected

Later on, when a colleague went to ask the OP for the extra cupcake, she revealed the truth and said that there were just enough for the office, excluding “Leo”

Image source: 848407912181

Right after lunch, the author went around offering her coworkers those cupcakes; when she approached Leo’s table, she offered him the sweet dish, but just as she expected, the man said no – however, in a rather respectful manner, which surprised the OP.

ADVERTISEMENT

Don’t want to see ads?

After distributing the goods, one of her fellow workers approached her and asked for the extra cupcake that the man rejected. She told them that she actually baked just enough for the whole office, excluding Leo, so all the cupcakes were already demolished.

The colleague’s face changed, so the woman said that baking isn’t a cheap hobby, and since she suspected that Leo was going to decline it, she didn’t bake more.

When the woman arrived on Monday, her department was talking about how she had excluded the man intentionally and that he was quite upset as he “really loved cupcakes”

Image source: 848407912181

Image source: The Lamb Family (not the actual photo)

Surprise, surprise, when she came back on Monday, everyone was talking about how Leo didn’t get the cupcake intentionally. The 36-year-old didn’t say a word – however, a workmate did mention that he was really upset as he loves a good cupcake and that he would’ve come around if the OP had left one in the fridge.

What do you think about this situation? Do you often hear rumors at your workplace?

Fellow Reddit users shared their thoughts and opinions on this matter

ADVERTISEMENT

Don’t want to see ads?

Games

View all games

Anyone can write on Bored Panda. Start writing!

Follow Bored Panda on Google News!

Follow us on Flipboard.com/@boredpanda!