Let’s cut to the chase: Does your coworker’s relentless optimism, kindness, and over-the-top helpfulness make you want to scream? Do their neat desk, cheerful demeanor, and habit of breaking into song during stressful moments drive you up the wall? Are they too much—too happy, too nice, too willing to pitch in?
Congratulations. You’ve identified what some call “the annoying do-gooder” in the office. But let me ask you this: Why does their light bother you so much? Is it really about them—or could it be about you?
Let’s dig deeper because the truth is, people like this coworker—people like me—aren’t your enemy. In fact, we might be the best thing to happen to your workplace.
Many of us who are “too much” in the workplace aren’t just being overly enthusiastic for kicks. We’re neurodivergent. That’s right—our brains operate differently, and it shows up in ways that might stand out:
- We love helping others and thrive when we feel useful.
- We see silver linings where others see storms.
- Dance breaks, silly songs, and creative solutions are how we deal with stress.
- We notice when others are struggling and offer help, sometimes to the point of overextending ourselves.
- We color within the lines—not to annoy you, but because we value integrity and want to do things right.
But here’s what you might not see:
- We are often bullied, excluded, or mocked for being different.
- We struggle in silence, fawning and freezing when faced with confrontation.
- We carry the weight of being misunderstood in a world that wasn’t designed for us.
If you’re still rolling your eyes at this point, let me flip the script for you. That coworker you find so “annoying” might just be the most resilient person in the room. Here’s why:
- We Show Up Anyway
Every day, neurodivergent folks face a world that doesn’t cater to us. We know we’re walking into environments that may be hostile, dismissive, or unkind, and yet—we still show up. That’s not weakness; that’s strength. - We Raise the Bar
Our work ethic, attention to detail, and commitment to the team make us reliable assets. We’re not here to compete or outshine; we’re here to contribute. - We’re Human, Too
Behind the smiles and quirks are people with lives just as complex as yours. We’re parents, caregivers, and breadwinners. Losing a job because we “annoyed” someone can devastate our families. - We Reflect Christ-Like Behavior
If you consider yourself a Christian, think about this: Jesus was relentlessly kind, unshakably compassionate, and always willing to serve. Are those not the qualities you see in your “annoying” coworker? Why, then, would you persecute someone for embodying the very traits Christ called us to practice?
What You Can Do Instead of Tearing Us Down
- Reframe Your Perspective: Instead of seeing us as “annoying,” see us as an opportunity to learn. Our joy and kindness aren’t weaknesses—they’re strengths that can inspire the team.
- Be Curious, Not Judgmental: Ask why we do what we do. You might discover that the “annoying” traits stem from a deep desire to help and connect.
- Protect Us, Don’t Prey on Us: Neurodivergent individuals are at higher risk of bullying, exclusion, and even suicide. Your words and actions matter. Choose kindness.
- Be the Hands and Feet of Christ: If you truly believe in loving your neighbor, this is your chance to live it out. Protect the kind ones. Stand up for those who are mistreated.
If you’ve ever rolled your eyes at a coworker who’s too nice, too helpful, or too different, take a moment to ask yourself why. Could it be that their light is shining on the shadows you’d rather ignore?
Instead of tearing down the ones who dare to dance in the storm, why not join them? Celebrate their resilience. Learn from their optimism. And if you can’t do that, at least get out of the way and let them be.
Because the world doesn’t need more cynics. It needs more of us—quirky, kind, neurodivergent, and unapologetically ourselves.
Mindful Shift Health Solutions LLC 