[UPDATE] My (24F) coworker (50F) blamed me for my miscarriage

Picture a tense office, where the hum of computers barely masks the undercurrent of drama. A young woman, still healing from a miscarriage, found herself targeted by a coworker’s baseless accusations of slacking off. What began as a cruel jab about her loss spiraled into a petty workplace vendetta, only to unravel spectacularly. For those who want to read the previous part: My (24f) co-worker (50f) blamed me for my miscarriage but is now frustrated I won’t talk to her.

Now, with a sharp-eyed boss stepping in, the tables have turned. The coworker’s lies collapsed under scrutiny, leaving her silenced and the young employee breathing a sigh of relief. This update dives into a tale of vindication, resilience, and the power of a good manager. Readers, get ready to cheer—how would you handle a coworker’s betrayal?

‘[UPDATE] My (24F) coworker (50F) blamed me for my miscarriage’

It's been a long day. First, I want to again thank everyone for their love, support, and advice. I wasn't able to answer everyone but know I tried to read all of them. Thank you. So, this morning ended up being a meeting with my boss. Now, yesterday I was given a run down of how she made a complaint of interrupting her work day and not being told important information.

She did have an 'example' but it was very stupid one. Co-worker when she was at my desk had apparently been staring at my screen. She saw that the usual application to log data we use wasn't up and went straight to assuming I wasn't working. What she didn't know is me and two other senior employees were using a new application that we will be switching over to.

And was running on that application (with the old one minimized) she then came back to ask about lunch and saw 'I still didn't have the application up' and went running to boss to tell him I wasn't on the application and I wasn't working, making it hard for her as she had to pick up the slack.

My boss calmly assured her that I was working on a different application and all productivity is monitored (I get my s**t done) she then, not wanting to be wrong I guess, doubled down and was upset I hadn't communicated that to her. I didn't even know. My boss asked her to elaborate on that and she brought up the application again and I guess they talked in circles for a bit.

He let her know that he takes these matters seriously and asked her for any examples of me not communicating. She had nothing. When I spoke to my boss, at this point I was upset. I finally just told him what happened and explained what happened yesterday. He was not pleased. He did let me know I don't have to explain myself and that next time if I'm in that situation to go straight to him.

He offered his condolences for my loss. As for her, she is no longer allowed to speak to me. Anything work related must be done through the messenger we have or email. Though, he assured me that as we are working on different applications, she shouldn't be reaching out to me. She has a laundry list of people to ask before me. He told me to document everything.

Anything she does say document it for the time being and be as curt as possible. Today, she hasn't been around me. She even moved her monitor and keyboard so she's facing away from me. She hasn't said a word all day. It's been a wave of relief for me. TLDR: coworker tried to report me for something stupid, it didn't work. She is now not allowed to speak to me..

Update: Wow, my first gilding! I'm very touched. Again, the warm wishes and all the condolences are touching. I never thought my thread would get this much attention. I also wanted to give out my condolences and internet hugs to everyone who has shared their stories and loses as well.

It truly helped me to not feel so alone. I'm sorry for anyone who had to or has to go through a miscarriage. It's a scary thing and a very weird and sudden feeling of loss and empty feeling. I hope its gotten or it will get better from here. Thank you.

Workplace conflicts can turn offices into battlegrounds, especially when personal grief is weaponized. The coworker’s false report reeks of desperation to deflect her own shortcomings, a classic move in toxic workplace dynamics. Dr. Tessa West, a psychology professor, explains, “Retaliatory behaviors often stem from perceived threats to status or control” (NYU Research). Here, the coworker’s accusations seem like a last-ditch effort to regain footing after her earlier insensitivity backfired.

This situation highlights a broader issue: workplace retaliation. Studies show 20% of employees experience retaliation after raising concerns (Workplace Fairness). The coworker’s actions, from blaming the miscarriage to fabricating complaints, reflect a pattern of deflecting accountability. Her isolation now—monitor turned, voice muted—signals a managerial stand against toxicity.

Dr. West’s research suggests clear boundaries are crucial. The boss’s directive to communicate only via email or messenger protects the young employee while curbing further conflict. For readers, this underscores the need for managers to act decisively. Advice? Document everything, as the employee was told, and lean on HR if tensions resurface. How can workplaces better shield employees from such retaliation?

For the young employee, this resolution offers a chance to heal. Therapy or support groups can aid her grief processing, while workplace allies can bolster her confidence.

Here’s what the community had to contribute:

Reddit’s community came through with applause and witty jabs, celebrating the coworker’s comeuppance. Here’s a taste of their spicy takes:

Elmosfriend − Congratulations! Now rest up and plan a relaxing weekend.♥️

[Reddit User] − Sounds like your boss is already sick of her s**t and wants a log to safely dumb her ass, i would happily oblige.

jessie_monster − Glad to hear you found a solution. Shout out to manager for not tolerating her nonsense, too.

musemusings − Good boss! Women like her will often belly crawl through glass to maintain a moral high ground in their mind and in the eyes of others, humility isn’t an easily learned trait and she may feel as if you got her in trouble just to gain that upper hand. Obviously you just want to be left alone. Never let her negativity into your heart, never assume the worst, but also never let your guard down around her. She is clearly watching you!

alphakari − Sounds like a good boss. Glad it worked out.

DaxIsAName − I’m sorry the situation had escalated all the way up to your boss. That couldn’t have been an easy conversation to have about such a private matter. I’m happy though that she’s finally leaving you alone, and I hope you can move forward in peace at your job again.

pokinthecrazy − Damn. If your coworker isn't looking for a new job, she's a f**king i**ot. Telling her not to speak to coworkers? That's a bold move - sounds like he thinks she is creating a hostile work environment.

tunnelingballsack − I wouldn't be surprised if he told her she would be fired if she talked to you again. What an insufferable b**ch. Hopefully your problems are over.

reginof99 − 50 years old and acting like a child? Jesus Christ.......

[Reddit User] − Speaking as an employer, I'd have shown her the door. One a**hole in an office can seriously impact everyone else's productivity.

These Reddit nuggets make you wonder: is the coworker’s silence a victory, or just a pause in the drama?

This update paints a picture of triumph, with a young woman reclaiming her peace against a coworker’s petty schemes. The boss’s swift action reminds us that good management can douse workplace fires. But what happens when the flames linger? Share your stories—have you faced a coworker’s betrayal, and how did you rise above it? Drop your thoughts below and let’s keep the conversation going!

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