Hi,
So yesterday, I had an argument with a colleague at work. We are both website developers, but working in different languages. Neither of us knows the others' language at the moment.
I say an argument, not screaming and shouting or swearing but a crossed word, and we just both got in a bad mood. Previously we socialized outside of work, but after this, I felt I had seen his true colors, and asked that contact outside of work stopped, going forward.
The argument stated after I asked my manager something, and my colleague jumped in telling me "not to ask that to a manager". It was a fair question about some new H&S paperwork and the conversation did not involve him, he overheard.
In the past he was telling me that we should do X together outside of work, or that together, or do this project together outside of work, or learn this skill to get myself further up the ladder at work.
After I asked to keep it professional, he was clearly annoyed by that, and so I asked to just keep it professional going forward; friendly, but professional. He is the exception, everyone else I keep professional with and don't really meet outside of work unless its an organised social.
A day later, things are calmer but not back to normal. I still feel I was right, I felt he was rude, and although we both apologised, he has said he will no longer input on projects/socialising/skills building, outside of work.
I feel annoyed that I have someone at the same level as me, trying to force upon me, these new skills, for which I won't be able to use in my job and isn't of the same interest to me, as what I currently do.
Was I fair, to ask for no contact outside of office, and am I justified to feel annoyed that he is trying to force things upon me that I don't want to learn right now? I feel that my self-esteem is low, because I'm letting someone tell me whats best for me and my career?
Am I right to maintain no contact outside of work, as I do with my other colleagues? It helps me focus on my job and my role, and helps me switch off in the evening.
Thanks in advance.