Why do coworkers socially exclude someone just because one person dislikes them?

[Bkay123]

Myself and another coworker don’t talk because of a situation that happened outside work. Now because we don’t talk a few coworkers don’t talk to me. Like it’s not cool to socialize with me at work. I helped get my uncle (who’s not blood related) in where we work and he doesn’t even talk to me anymore. Only if they have to. I was really close with this uncle. Even people that I was cool with outside work have been different.

[RachyRach]

People tend to go with the crowd to prevent themselves from standing out. So even if they don't dislike you they fit in with everyone else

[Bkay123]

It kind of sucks. I’ve been excluded from things because of it. They’ve all gone out to breakfast during work and not invite me. Including the supervisor. What do you do in a situation like this?

[RachyRach]

Honestly it's tough. Your best chance I think is to find someone who you connect with and hopefully they don't exclude you.

[Bkay123]

Ok thank you. I’ve started doing that. Connecting with a couple of people.

[RachyRach]

Good luck!

[Bkay123]

Thank you!

[Nikki1989]

There are a lot of group dynamics, social anxiety, and workplace power structures within a work setting and it can turn toxic.

[Bkay123]

It’s feels toxic

[AI Opinion]

This kind of exclusion usually comes from group dynamics, not from anything “wrong” with you.

In many workplaces, people:
- Pick a “side” to feel safe and avoid conflict.
- Fear being targeted themselves if they stay close to the excluded person.
- Rely on rumors instead of asking what really happened.

Focus on what you can control:
- Stay professional, polite, and consistent.
- Build 1‑on‑1 connections with those who still seem neutral.
- Keep your performance strong; document any clear harassment.

Outside work, invest in friendships where loyalty goes both ways.