Over-Sensitivity or Just Discourteous Co-Worker?

Post Reply New Topic

So, for quite some time I've been in the situation where a co-worker is hastily taping up a package with mailing tape. I assumed that for most people this does not cause searing pain in their head to hear. Because of this I always try to quietly "ride out the storm" and not make a scene or beg them to stop or go somewhere else.

However, today a co-worker did this just a couple feet from my head and without prompting said "sorry, that's loud". So... if they knew it was loud all along, why did they not find another area? I don't understand how anyone can work through that level of noise. Is this over-sensitivity or typical sensitivity + really rude co-worker? Sorry for the rant, I still have a bit of a headache.

I'm confused.

I'm afraid I'd have to say it's over-sensitivity. Sorry.

Certainly no need for apologies; I wanted to know either way and your input was helpful and appreciated.
Thank you.

Over-sensitivity, but no harm done if all you said was sorry that's loud. They'll just shrug that off and do it again tomorrow.

If you want results, it's going to take some anger. I've scared people when I can't take it anymore. Wasn't my intent and I felt bad at first, but the long term effects have been quite relieving. They really leave you alone when they know you're going to be furious as hell at them if they don't.

Oops, I didn't phrase my text very clearly. What I meant was that my co-worker said "sorry, that was loud". I usually just say nothing unless the other person comments on the noise. It appears that when most people say "loud" it's more of a general observation instead of a declaration of pain. That's what I was curious about. Thanks for "weighing in".

The person may have seen a reaction from you (maybe flinching) and that made them aware of what they were doing and therefore felt the need to apologize. Could that be it?

When I'm really anxious and under stress for awhile, I'm very hypersensitive and can't handle any noise. That tape noise does bother me.

Yes, I probably did indicate somehow. It's pretty tough to hide. I was just surprised that no one had commented on it before. It does seem that my co-worker's "loud" and my "loud" entail two different experiences of the same sound.

it's oversensitivity.
I suppose that this one time, the tape made more noise than it normally does, and the co-worker apologised for that effect.
Normally, taping up something is not loud enough to bother an NT, but sometimes it is

A lot of people, even NTs, dislike the ripping sound of tape, velcro, tearing paper, etc.

It sounds like over-sensitivity to me. If you have not told your co-worker how this noise affects you then they're probably not being discourteous. I think most people have a noise that goes through them - fingernails down a chalkboard etc. but not everyone has an "autistic reaction". Part of me wants to tell you, to let your co-workers know your issue so allowances can be made. The other part of me says never let anyone know your weaknesses.

It may not be discourteous in that few workers are skilled enough to package stuff and remember that you have an unusual sensitivity to loud noises.

Is this taping part of his job?

If not, this guy sure sends lots of packages! LOL

At least the guy acknowledged that it was loud.

Noise-cancelling headphones might be a good investment for you, if this sort of thing happens often. Good luck.

(And I'm in the "oversensitivity" camp.)

Yeah, I'm dumb enough to have gotten stuck in a job that has me in the shipping dept. part of the day. The bulk of it is pre-sealed stuff and usually any packaging takes place on the other side of the room (which admittedly is still somewhat uncomfortable and occasionally slightly painful). If it's not common to experience pain when someone tapes up a box next to you, I'll assume there was no intentional rudeness.