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Instant dislike

(15 Posts)
Aveline Thu 16-Jul-26 11:49:29

I know it's unreasonable but a new lady joined out little coffee group and I just don't like her. I tend to go with my gut on these things and it doesn't happen often. I don't know what to do. I actually avoided the group today as I just didn't want to have to talk when she's there. We often talk about family and problems but I don't want to share them with her.
What should I do? Just withdraw? I really like the others and would miss them. If I tell them I don't like her that's pretty mean. Any ideas?

Cossy Thu 16-Jul-26 11:52:01

Yes, keep going for a few more sessions, sit near someone else and give this lady a chance?

Sometimes first impressions aren’t always right.

Worry about it all when you’ve got to see a little bit more of her, but don’t leave a coffee morning with people you enjoy and don’t even begin to suggest “getting rid of her” grin

Good luck thanks

nanna8 Thu 16-Jul-26 11:54:03

Keep with the group and avoid sitting next to her. Just be polite. I trust these instincts, they are given to us for a reason and I’d bet my bottom dollar you are not the only one in the group to sense this. Keep quiet, though, not nice to gossip.

Astitchintime Thu 16-Jul-26 11:57:21

I’d keep going……I wouldn’t let anyone’s presence make me feel that I had to withdraw.
Just try to avoid sitting close to her and don’t enter into any personal conversations, there’s lots to chat about without revealing private stuff surely?

valdali Thu 16-Jul-26 11:58:12

I think I'd not go.
When I've had these instant dislikes, it's turned out to be mutual & some people are stirrers & if they don't like you they'll be causing trouble. (not saying this lady is, but still)
Could you meet up with one or two of the others if there's something on you know they might enjoy?
Or go but keep your head below the parapet by not saying a lot.

lovethepuppies Thu 16-Jul-26 12:08:18

I tend to trust my gut but, you never know, she may grow on you. I tend to feel a bit of dislike when someone new joins our coffee group, but that's just because I like the group and resist change. It's a me thing. I'd say give her a chance and see what happens. You'll find out in due course. One of the women who joined that I felt resistance to is now a very good friend.

Visgir1 Thu 16-Jul-26 12:16:55

Agree don't stop going. If you have this feeling about her, I'm sure you won't be the only one.
From experience (more from workplace) the person in question doesn't fit in and leaves.

Sillymoo Thu 16-Jul-26 12:18:43

How many are in the group? How did she join?

MawsRosie Thu 16-Jul-26 12:22:42

It’s a hard one.
Your gut feeling is probably spot on but why should you give up on something -and some people- you like?
She just may be trying too hard to impress and once she feels more comfortable you may see a nicer side to her.
Alternatively others may feel like you and perhaps she will find it less welcoming and drift away.
Either way, “don’t cut off your nose to spite your face” !
I feel exactly the same about somebody in my book group and just switch off when she is pontificating. Others seem more impressed but who knows, I may not be alone in my opinion and neither might you.

Fallingstar Thu 16-Jul-26 12:24:42

You say a ‘little’ coffee group so does this mean is hard to just sit with other group members and try to chat to established friends?
I understand that this could be hard.
But don’t miss out, as others have said give this new member the benefit of the doubt. One of my best friends, sadly no longer alive, was someone I disliked on sight and took time to warm to, later she confided that she hadn’t liked me either initially. Perhaps this new member is just trying too hard to fit in with an established group.
All the best.

Patsy70 Thu 16-Jul-26 12:32:10

I wouldn’t stop going Aveline. That would be cutting off your nose to spite your face. As others have suggested, just avoid sitting too close to her, and try to keep an open mind. If you’d prefer not to talk about your family and problems, just avoid doing so and contribute to the general conversation.
Incidentally, what is it about her that you dislike? I must admit to occasionally making snap judgments about new people I’ve met, but given time have really got to like them.

Aveline Thu 16-Jul-26 12:47:24

Wise advice from you all. I can't quite work out what it is I don't like about her. Maybe the way she talks about her family. She doesn't seem to be very sensitive and seems inappropriately smug at times.
Other group members are off on holiday at present. It would only have been three of us this morning so I fled! I just couldn't face it.

HelterSkelter1 Thu 16-Jul-26 13:03:16

Can understand not wanting to go to a group of 3.
I disliked on sight a woman who I later really got on well with. So that was a bad bit of judgement.
But dont stop going to a group you enjoy when there are more members there. Sit far away. Switch off when she talks, but just be polite. Don't discuss her with anyone. She may not last long. At the group I mean.

SpinDriftCoastal Thu 16-Jul-26 13:18:16

As a linguist, my ears are always the first sense I use if I get a 'gut' feeling. Why not go, listen closely and see if you can nail her conversation style. Does she use a lot of negatives? Does she not listen to other people? Does she talk just about herself, indeed, trying to upstage others in the group? If you can gain clarity on this, it may help you to decide whether you want to leave or if you can just ignore her. Good luck! You always make sure insightful comments I am sure you will find the way that suits you.

foxie48 Thu 16-Jul-26 13:46:37

It can be really difficult to join an established group as a newbie and lots of people struggle. tbh I'd give her a chance. I think a lot of us try too hard initially or are too quiet and people get the wrong impression.