What do I say?

[shelbyc]

Hi, at times at work I don't feel part of the team and mainly get on with my job. At times, I feel when I do talk they are not interested in what I'm saying. I was trying to talk to my manager for a few moments a few days ago and was snapped at too busy. Later that day though that person was talking to someone else for a good while about a house move. Other collegues take in baby photos which I am not shown but told someone I worked with died. The conversation is mainly about drinking, toilet habbits, dieting and babies. Not that I am against kids or having a drink but it's usually drinking too much and being I'll. My toilet habits are private and going in to work saying xyz a bit strange. If I say nothing that's wrong and when I do talk they are not interested. One collegue won't even speak when I go into work but when someone else arrives in she is all over her. When I first went on the team they go out for a room Easter drinks. I drew the short straw to work it and most had it arranged to go out. I wasn't asked to go for a drink. When it comes to organising the Xmas meal I do feel like saying I already have plans and management are putting people off collecting money in for this kind of thing so can use it as an excuse. I don't want to be awful and unfriendly but why have lunch with people who don't care about me? What can I say?

[237SJ]

Sounds like they`ve got a little clique thing going on and you`re left out in the cold because you refuse to lower yourself to their level of conversation and be one of the crowd.
If I was you I`d carry on working with dignity and let them see that you`re not bothered about being involved in their little social activities. Maybe look around for another job in a more pleasant environment?

[Wak]

Tell them that you already have an invitation to go for a meal that day from some other friends.

[craft1948]

Tell them you'd rather scratch your nails down a blackboard....