People Get Defensive In These "Am I The Jerk?" Stories

For the past six months, I've had this gorgeous little bonsai tree on my desk. I've named it Groot, and honestly, it's become like a tiny desk buddy. I water it, trim it, and it makes my workspace feel more alive. Most of my coworkers either like it or don't care, and sometimes people stop by just to check on Groot's progress. But then there's Mila. Since day one, she's been complaining that my plant is triggering her allergies. The thing is, I've never once seen her sneeze or have watery eyes near my desk. She keeps insisting that bonsai trees release some kind of special pollen (they don't) and that I'm intentionally making her workplace hostile. Last week, Mila put up a petition in the break room asking people to vote on whether my plant should stay or go. Most people voted for Groot to stay, but Mila and her lunch buddies wrote these ridiculous notes about how indoor plants harbor bugs and mold. What gets me is that Mila brings her pet hamster to work in one of those rolling balls, and it gets into everything. Lucas in accounting is legitimately terrified of rodents, but no one's asking her to leave Nibbles at home. Yesterday during our team meeting, Mila announced to everyone including our manager Daniel that she refuses to enter my cubicle for any reason because of my "toxic plant." Daniel looked annoyed and told me to maybe consider moving the plant. I refused and pointed out that he'd never ask Mila to stop bringing her hamster, which is way more disruptive than a stationary plant. Daniel thought about it and agreed with me. Now Mila's telling everyone I'm purposely trying to make her life difficult and that I enjoy watching her "suffer." She dramatically holds her breath whenever she walks past my desk. I'm not getting rid of Groot. It's a tiny tree, not a weapon of mass destruction. Another User Comments: I don't think people realize how serious plant allergies can be. My cousin is severely allergic to certain plants and it's not always obvious - sometimes the symptoms are delayed. That said, it sounds like Mila is being dramatic about this. If she truly had a medical issue, she should have gone through HR with proper documentation rather than creating a public vote. The hamster comparison is valid too. If the workplace allows animals, a plant seems pretty reasonable. I'd suggest maybe moving the plant to a different location in your office as a compromise, but you're definitely NTJ here. Another User Comments: As someone who works in HR, this is exactly the kind of petty workplace drama that gives me migraines. Both parties need to grow up. If Mila has actual allergies, she needs medical documentation. If not, she needs to stop the theatrics. You could show some empathy instead of doubling down, even if you're technically right. What's more important - a plant or workplace harmony? Sometimes being right isn't worth the tension it creates. Your manager should be mediating this better. Neither of you are handling this maturely. YTJ slightly, but she's worse. Another User Comments: NTJ and I'm dying at the image of this woman dramatically holding her breath walking past a bonsai tree. Plants actually improve air quality! If she were truly allergic, she'd have medical documentation or at least visible symptoms. The fact that she created a public voting system instead of addressing it privately suggests this is about control, not health. The hamster comparison is spot on - why is her comfort prioritized over yours and Lucas's? Stand your ground. Don't let workplace bullies push you around with fake health concerns. Another User Comments: I'm actually a bonsai enthusiast, and I can tell you that properly maintained indoor bonsai trees produce minimal to no pollen. Most indoor varieties are specifically chosen because they don't trigger allergies. Mila sounds like she's either making this up or has convinced herself she's allergic. That said, workplace conflicts are rarely worth the stress they cause. Maybe offer to get the plant species tested for allergens? That would either validate your position or help you understand if there's a legitimate issue. NTJ, but sometimes peace is worth more than being right. Another User Comments: Everyone seems to be missing the real issue here. Your manager Daniel is failing at his job. Instead of making a decision based on company policy about personal items in the workspace, he's allowing this ridiculous conflict to continue. This shouldn't be about voting or public opinion - it should be about fair application of workplace rules. If pets are allowed, plants should be too. If allergies are a concern, there should be a formal process for accommodation. NTJ, but your workplace sounds toxic, and not because of the bonsai tree.