Imagine being at your job for 12 years, only to be excluded and mistreated by new coworkers. This is the unfortunate reality for one employee with ADHD and Autism, who found themselves constantly left out of team potlucks and treated poorly by their colleagues. The situation escalated when their manager stepped in, leading to a dramatic confrontation and a controversial apology. Let’s dive into this emotional rollercoaster of a story.
New Coworkers, New Problems

Excluded from Potlucks ️

Not Invited, Not Welcome

The Pattern Continues

The Truth Comes Out ️

Manager Steps In

Cornered and Confronted

Emotional Breakdown

Sobbing and Panicking

An Apology Attempt

Rejecting the Apology

Turning the Tables

No More Apologies

Job Coach’s Advice

To Accept or Not to Accept: The Apology Dilemma ♀️
After being excluded and mistreated for over a year, this employee finally had enough and rejected their coworker’s apology. Their manager and job coach believe they should accept the apology and give their colleagues another chance, but our protagonist isn’t so sure. They’ve been hurt too many times and don’t want to be a doormat any longer. So, was their reaction justified, or did they go too far? Let’s see what the internet thinks of this situation…
NTA OP received a year of exclusion from coworkers with intent. Manager failed to notice and under-reacted. Tom’s apology is a good start but changed behavior is needed.

Forgiveness is personal, not subject to superior’s order. NTA.

Sincere apologies require positive change in behavior. Trust and verify. ✌

Apology only given after disclosing disability. NTA.

Logical and eloquent response to apology rejection

NTA for rejecting apology after a year of exclusion and bullying.

NTA stands up to workplace bullies, receives support.

Manager’s intervention causes more harm than good. NTA.

NTA. Tom admitted fault. Manager cares about team cohesion. AHs should apologize properly

Former job coach agrees NTA, but highlights lack of support services.

Coworkers excluded and refused to apologize, but words don’t mean anything

NTA for not apologizing, but consider making peace with coworkers

HR should have intervened. Confrontation was harassment. NTA.

Excluded coworker receives apology only after explaining their autism. NTA

Polite detachment is the best that can be expected at work

Patiently stood up for self against workplace bullying. NTA

Validating the rejection of a forced apology

NTA stands their ground against exclusionary coworkers.

NTA, justified in reactions, workplace in stalemate, how to proceed?

Standing up to workplace exclusion and aggression is important. NTA

Job coach’s advice inappropriate, consider legal action for verbal assault.

Forgiveness is about you, not them. NTA for considering job security. ❤

Exclusion from work functions and team cohesion ruined by coworkers

NTA for not accepting apology, but consider impact on job

Stand up for yourself, not obligated to go along. NTA

Consequences as a motivator for change? NTA comment thinks not.

Exclusion from potluck is worse than inclusion. NTA.

Advocate for yourself, be fierce . Coworkers treated cruelly, NTA.

Coworker’s apology only came after realizing OP was autistic

NTA comment receives agreement from others.

Find a more welcoming environment
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/e23a033b-68f2-4dbd-aef1-5e925c356ddc.png)
Acknowledging Tom’s apology without accepting it is a mature move.

Stand your ground and move on!
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/00588153-9784-46e5-96c1-62b79c269651.png)
Professionalism prevails in toxic work environment. NTA wins.

NTA for not accepting apology after year of rejection.

OP receives support for standing up to bullying coworkers.

Professionalism is key in accepting a work apology. YTA for unprofessionalism.

NTA comment stands alone in rejecting coworker’s apology.

NTA commenter considers legal action for workplace exclusion.

Hold them accountable, but give them a chance to change. NTA

Heartwarming support for OP’s exclusion from a toxic workplace. ❤️

Excluded from potluck, blamed for banning it. NTA

Respect at work is a basic right for everyone. NTA

♀️ Don’t feel obligated to accept an apology. NTA wins.

Forgive and forget at work? NTA seeks advice

Standing up to exclusion and ableism with support from others.

Take your time to reflect on your actions before responding.

NTA for suggesting a change in perspective.

NTA. Manager’s words were unacceptable. Consider moving on or forgiving.

Standing up for yourself can be tough, but NTA in this situation.

Being professional can be tough, but forgiveness is key

NTA. Tom’s apology seems genuine, but it’s your call.
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/f048ea8f-09c7-471f-8ca3-8111804185b6.png)
Take your time to heal and forgive. Your boss supports you. ❤
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/b1bb2a0e-aa7a-42a2-bc7c-c4e26f17392f.png)
Impressed by Tom’s apology but don’t forget past behavior.

Forgiveness not obligatory. Actions matter. Ableism is a problem. NTA

Escalating with HR for medical condition abuse, half-assed apology unacceptable.

Forgiveness is a choice, not a requirement.

Standing up for neurodivergent coworkers

Coworkers acted like middle school bullies. NTA for exclusion.

Autistic coworker receives apology, but is it genuine?

Take control of your work environment and decide your path.

Don’t let pride hold you back from giving someone a chance.

Forgiveness rhetoric excuses cruel actions. Victim-blaming needs to stop.

No excuse for mistreating someone, 100% NTA ♀️

Manager praised for supporting NTA’s decision to distance themselves.

♀️ Apology rejected: the right to forgiveness is not guaranteed.

Accept the apology for the team’s sake. Be civil.

Not the a**hole, but why were they excluded for a year?

Coworker excluded from potluck, receives apology but is it enough?
