I'm convinced it's because I'm Asian.

Remember when I wrote about popularity in the workplace and how, basically, popular I was NOT?

Well! Today, I think I have cracked the code!

I have been at this company for about 2 1/2 months now. I was patient, I continued my attempts to be friendly and get to know the girls here better, but with no progression. Basically, I come into work, cordial "Hello's" are exchanged, and then I sit at my desk and work, only being talked to when it involves something needing to be done.

I promise this has never happened to me before!

At all my other jobs, I got along with most everyone, I found lasting friendships, there were happy hours, there were lunches to be had! It was FUN and it made my long work days worth it!

But here? Good lord, I can't tell you how many times I cried to The Dizzle wondering if something was wrong with me. I mean, I know I've forgotten to wear deodorant a time or two, but certainly that can't be the reason for my lack of friends at work? I'm not going to lie, as someone who thrives off human connections and social interactions, it's been pretty miserable here for me these last few months.

Anyway. Here is where my newfound theory comes into play.

Today, I went to lunch with a girl in a different department.
Her name is also Michelle.
Michelle is Asian, just like me!
(P.S. I can't tell you how many times girls here have confused us for the same person. I mean, come on people, not ALL Asians look alike.)
For awhile, I thought we were the only 2 Asians in the whole company!
But then, other Asian Michelle invited another girl to lunch with us.
Her name is Maria.
Maria is Asian too!
So there we were, the Asian Parade out to lunch.
See there? That was basically us for an hour.

(Something riveting was happening, apparently.)

ANYWAY.

We got to talking, and turns out, these two feel the exact same way that I have been feeling!
They said they always feel left out.
They said they don't feel a part of the team.
They said they always hear the girls talk about their get together's and trivia nights.
They also said this has never happened to them at any other company but THIS one!

I mean, hallelujah I'm not alone in these feelings! I honestly thought I was going crazy and had lost all sense of social skills. But at lunch today? It was natural, it was fun, and it felt like I was talking to actual human beings instead of Stepford Wives.

I'm serious, you guys.

99% of the women here act and look like this (minus the 1950's dresses).

So.

Here's how I see it. I have three options.

1) Dye my hair like a blonde Kimora Lee, slap on a fake smile, and talk about whatever superficial topic comes to mind and I'm sure I'll just fit right in!

2) Ignore the girls that don't want to see me as a person and continue on with my new Asian Posse:

Or

3) Chalk this job up to an experience that I tried out but have realized it's just not the right fit for me and look for a new job that does not adhere so much to office politics and cliques.

Conclusion?

Asians + Blonde Hair = No thank you.

So, looks like I need to consider options 2 and 3?

xoxo