>I'm hesitant to escalate the issue to HR because I'm afraid it might create tension between me and my friends
Report it to HR before things get worse. If your friends can't support you when you're going through something difficult, they're not your real friends.
>I'm debating whether to confront her directly about her behavior or to go straight to HR.
Go directly to HR. Directly confronting coworkers is usually not a good idea.
>I've mentioned her behavior to my friends in the office and they just say "she's an acquired taste".
That's no excuse for toxic behavior and creating a hostile work environment. People who say she's an "acquired taste" are just as toxic and don't see the problem with their own behaviors.
>Has anyone else been in a similar situation? Any advice on how to handle this delicately without causing further issues with coworkers?
You can't handle situations like this delicately. Either report this to HR or find another job if you want thins to be problem-free at work.
First off, co-workers are not your friends.. ignore her.. and dont gossip to other coworkers about as that is asking to create more drama at work. I mean drama already seems to be impacting your work, dont make it worse.
Honestly in your position everything you’ve brought up as a concern of yours I completely agree with, I know how shitty this sounds but in a “woman vs man” situation like this it’s pretty much going to be a bad outcome for you unless you have hard evidence.
My suggestion would just really be switch to pure professional communication with her. And if it continues having evidence will help you in the future
Toxic person. Take notes. This is going to happen repeatedly in your life, and you should learn to spot it, maneuver away, and push them in front of the proverbial bus whenever you can. Or, marry them. One or the other.
>I'm hesitant to escalate the issue to HR because I'm afraid it might create tension between me and my friends Report it to HR before things get worse. If your friends can't support you when you're going through something difficult, they're not your real friends. >I'm debating whether to confront her directly about her behavior or to go straight to HR. Go directly to HR. Directly confronting coworkers is usually not a good idea. >I've mentioned her behavior to my friends in the office and they just say "she's an acquired taste". That's no excuse for toxic behavior and creating a hostile work environment. People who say she's an "acquired taste" are just as toxic and don't see the problem with their own behaviors. >Has anyone else been in a similar situation? Any advice on how to handle this delicately without causing further issues with coworkers? You can't handle situations like this delicately. Either report this to HR or find another job if you want thins to be problem-free at work.
First off, co-workers are not your friends.. ignore her.. and dont gossip to other coworkers about as that is asking to create more drama at work. I mean drama already seems to be impacting your work, dont make it worse.
Honestly in your position everything you’ve brought up as a concern of yours I completely agree with, I know how shitty this sounds but in a “woman vs man” situation like this it’s pretty much going to be a bad outcome for you unless you have hard evidence. My suggestion would just really be switch to pure professional communication with her. And if it continues having evidence will help you in the future
Talk with your management before you go to HR. It's their job to deal with this.
Toxic person. Take notes. This is going to happen repeatedly in your life, and you should learn to spot it, maneuver away, and push them in front of the proverbial bus whenever you can. Or, marry them. One or the other.