u/Different-Party-b00b

I have a workplace bully. We both have the same job title and very similar roles.i have worked here for 2 years, and since the day I started they have been doing what I learned is called "covert bullying". Most of it has been spreading rumors, or telling my supervisors that I'm not ready for responsibilities (including roles/tasks I was literally hired for).

When working with them, they are always trying to make me feel stupid and useless. For example, they will do things like snap their fingers at me, they've grabbed things out of my hands and claimed "you aren't doing that safely" (not true), or they will belittle my previous experiences/education. They constantly snicker and laugh at my ideas, or if I fumble over words.

The confusing part is apparently to my manager they only pay me compliments. This came to light when I finally felt the need to file a complaint, and my manager told me they were surprised. I was just as surprised.

It's had me really doubting my experiences, but I can't shake the feeling that this is somehow part of it. As if they are setting me up to make it impossible to complain.

Has anyone experienced something like this before?

My car is a 2011 Corolla with 250,000 kms.

Today I noticed when parking that I can hear and feel a click when the steering wheel goes back and forth at the 12 o'clock position. Car drives fine, no pulling that I can sense, and turning isn't an issue.

Does anyone know what this might be caused by, how important it is to fix, and whether it could be done in my driveway?

Mostly just venting, but how can I deal with a passive-aggressive manager. This one is also convinced that they are direct and open since they often give themselves this sort of praise.

As a recent example, we had an exchange that went something like this:

Manager: are you confident that you can handle this work?

Manager: don't overplay your hand, if you're not confident we will get X to do it

Me: I'm confident I can handle it. I'll get started.

Manager: I'm not sure. Let's get X involved.

Manager: it all comes down to training. You don't have the proper training.

Basically they do something to this effect consistently. They offer me an opportunity, then rug pull me/insult me/attempt to lower my confidence. I don't know how to handle this. They are also very covert and charming, where they always try to turn it into a joke. After dealing with them for a while, and hearing what they have to say about other employees, I know they aren't joking. Im certain it's intentional.