What should I do about nitpicky coworker?

[Anonymous]

I have this frustrating coworker at work. He nitpicks me about the most ridiculous stuff. I get the blame for any mistakes too, even when I was gone for 5 days when I had covid, I still got the blame for someone unplugging a lamp the day before I returned to work. He seems to always have something to say to me about what I allegedly did wrong. He's friendly and jokes around with all other coworkers. I'll catch him staring at me a lot while he's talking to or joking around with coworkers or if I walk by the work area and he's talking to someone, he'll turn his body towards me and make eye contact with me while talking to whoever. We had a new intern the other day and she made a ton of mistakes and he just walked over, did the work for her, and that was that. No lectures or nitpicking. Why am I the only one he bitches at? What's bizarre to me is that I overheard that he requested me specifically to work with him on Tuesdays. It's just the two of us working on that day. I don't get why other than he enjoys having someone to scold all day. How do I get him to stop?

[Oliverlogan263]

That guy sounds like a major tool! Always nitpicking you and never cutting anyone else some slack. Definitely seems like he's hovering around you more than others too, just looking for stuff to criticize. I'd be pretty frustrated if I were you.

A few things I'd try:

- Call him out directly next time he blames you for something you didn't do. Say "I wasn't even here, man" and don't let him deny it.

- Talk to your other coworkers when he's not around and see if they've noticed his weird behavior toward just you. Strength in numbers.

- If he tries blaming you again, say "stop man, I'm tired of your accusations" and walk away. Don't give him the satisfaction of a reaction.

- As a last resort, I'd bring it up to your boss and say you feel singled out. Maybe they can have a word with him.

- Or just avoid being alone with the guy as much as possible on Tuesdays. Stick close to others so he can't nitpick without an audience.

Don't let him get in your head. He's probably just a sad bully who gets off on messing with people. You seem chill - don't give him the power to bother you! Hope it gets better.