This is literally the stupidest thing but it’s caused a huge issue so here we go. Also- sorry in advance I’m not a great writer:(
I have worked at the same office for 3 years and my coworker, let’s call her Roxy, has been with us for a few months less than me. About a month ago Roxy started trying to play country music on our Alexa more often.
Relevant backstory: I grew up with chronic migraines and spent a lot of time in the nurses office in middle and high school due to them. At both schools they played country music in the nurses office and refused to turn it off even when I my migraines would make light and noise extremely painful. As a result of this I can only listen to back to back country music for 3 hours before I start getting a headache.
Roxy is FULLY aware of this - I have mentioned in at least 3 times. It started with her playing it more often (we were in a 60’s music phase) which I would let play until it reached the point where it was going to give me a headache (~3 hours). Then I would change it to 60s since we all like it. After the change in music she started acting moody, getting angry and upset and it would carry through the rest of the day. This kept happening- I really tried to put up with it for as long as I could since she kept making such a stink but I honestly don’t want to be popping exedrine when I don’t actually need it to fight the headache.
Roxy kept getting moodier and moodier, treating me worse and insinuating that I do nothing at work (we just do different things). It came to a head when she changed it back to country 2 times and I snapped and told Alexa to play a radio station she doesn’t like and made a comment that “if she wants to be petty so can I”. I was just tired of this and wanted to make a point. I usually don’t play that station out of consideration since she doesn’t like it. I have told her multiple times she can play literally anything else.
My boss (Sue) stepped in and got Roxy to agree to letting Sue pick the music. It went ok until the end of that week- when Roxy changed it to country music and Sue switched it. Roxy got really mad and said she should at least get 1 day of her music. She keeps treating me like garbage because of it and refuses to communicate. I did some digging and found a station that plays classic rock mixed with country music so we could compromise without me getting a headache but unfortunately she just keeps making resentful comments about me. I’m seriously at a loss here and even when I try to put myself in her shoes it doesn’t make sense. My boss said something to me today that insinuated I was part of the problem but I genuinely haven’t done anything other than the one petty action to prove a point.
So AITA?
TLDR- my coworker insists on playing country music even though it gives me a headache so now my boss doesn’t let her play it anymore and she’s BIG MAD and I feel like I’m somehow in the wrong
EDIT: The music is for the lobby (we are at the front desk) so unfortunately headphones are not an option- sorry I forgot to include that!
EDIT 2: I am aware that my issue with country music is in my own head, it is an unfortunate association and if I could help it I would. You are absolutely allowed to not believe me tho- I’m pretty sure Roxy doesn’t either.
I haven’t touched the music since Sue stepped in other than once to play the hybrid station I mentioned. I let Roxy know that there was a sticky note with the name of the station. We are currently listening to what Sue wants- I only ever chose what they liked- I mostly listen to alt music and that’s not lobby friendly
Thank y’all so much for the ideas I can’t wait to bring them to Sue tmrw! I’m about to hop off now to research how to make Alexa play a specific made playlist Sue and Roxy can collab on.