Loud Yawner

[laundryhater]

I'd like to get some opinions please.

I work with a woman who yawns loud every time she yawns.

I don't know why but this annoys me.

I could understand a loud yawn every once in a while but this woman yawns loud every time.

It's almost like she's trying to exaggerate to make sure I know that she's tired of working long hours. Which I totally get that she's tired but it's annoying that she feels she has to remind me all the time in this passive-agressive way. I have no control over the fact that management is under a hiring freeze and can't hire more help to cover shifts we can't cover. And I'll be danged if I sign up for extra shifts when I'm 6 1/2 months pregnant...I already work 11 hours a day!

What do ya'll think? Is she purposely yawning out loud? Or are some people just naturally loud yawners?

[wagegoth]

Personally, I don't know anybody who yawns loudly every time. Having some manners helps.

She may have some issue, but if it's something that started recently, then I think you're right about her being passive-aggressive.

Next time she starts the yawning bit, ask her, "Did you miss your [whatever her caffeine source of choice is]?"

If she says that she didn't, then say, "You know, I'm really, really tired, too. This hiring freeze is hard. Just be glad you're not pregnant on top of it. Well, got stuff to take care of. Bye." Wave cheerily and walk away to whatever you can do on the other side of the store or floor or department.


If she keeps up with the yawning, suggest that she might need to see her doctor about her lack of sleep. She might even need a sleep clinic. Then, wave cheerily and walk away to whatever you can do, etc.


You must be absolutely sincere and friendly when saying these things. That's the only way it will work.

[laundryhater]

You may be right about it maybe being lack of manners. Now that I think about it she also curses like a sailor, not with customers but beyond the normal work-appropriate level with co-workers.

Unfortunately we work in a call center where I can't say something and then conveniently walk away. My desk is only 1 foot away from her so yeah pretty cramped close quarters so I hear her every time she yawns.