Paul has worked at $7-11$ for over a year and has struggled to get along with his coworker Jacob. Paul is primarily tasked with cleaning the food areas including the coffee bar and drink station. During one shift, Jacob states out loud to Paul that Paul is taking a "lazy approach" to his duties and complains that he has to clean up after Paul at the end of each shift. Paul gets very upset and walks out of the building before his shift is completed. Paul's actions are most likely a response to which of the following: