Opposite Sex Coworker Social Boundaries

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Specializes in EMS, LTC, Sub-acute Rehab.

Recently, I had plans to have a BBQ at my house with several of my ex-coworkers. I suggested the idea to my wife before my employment arrangement changed abruptly and she seem copacetic. Later, my ignorance and inability to comprehend doublespeak was revealed.

Several days before the BBQ my wife become very anxious and irritated when she found out everyone coming was female. This was purely by happenstance. All spouses or significant others were invited but none could attend due to work responsibilities or plans.

Reminding my wife that I'm a middle aged adult male, working in a significantly female dominated world did little to therapeutically defuse the situation. Putting out the fire with gasoline was the effect achieved. She stated, that it's inappropriate and disrespectful to host other females in our home, who I no longer have a working relationship with.

I told her it would provide a bit of closure and continuity for everyone. Direct patient care is like navigating a psycho-physio war zone of emotional chasms and insurmountable summits. No one goes it alone. I wanted to do something nice for my fellow coworkers and aides. To show my appreciation and to recognize the help and solid care they provided. She was not appeased and enlisted the support of her in condemning my actions.

I respect my wife's feelings, 25 years at this would have ended it long ago if it were otherwise. But I have no intention of catering to illogical fear and irrational gender bias. If the situation was reversed, my mindset would not change.

Is this some type of unspoken and overstepped Opposite Sex Coworker Social Boundary infringement I missed?

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Specializes in CMSRN, hospice.

If I'm reading this right, your BBQ was planned before an unexpected change in your employment, right? I wouldn't find this weird, especially if you had a great working relationship with everyone and it was a group thing. You invited all SOs, so not sure what the big deal is. I think your wife is overreacting.

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Specializes in ICU.

I think this sounds like a marriage issue more than a professional boundaries issue. I see no issue with having a BBQ for your coworkers.

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Specializes in MCH,NICU,NNsy,Educ,Village Nursing.

I think it would benefit you more if you discussed this with your wife, unemotionally, and tried to get inside her head to understand what is really going on for her. Good luck!

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Specializes in Hospice, corrections, psychiatry, rehab, LTC.

I am fortunate to be married to someone who understands the realities of working in health care. I am a male working in a female-dominated profession. I am an administrator, and most of the people who call when I am off duty are going to be female. Most of my colleagues are going to be female. I am frequently going to be attending meetings with them. That is just the reality of it.

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Recently, I had plans to have a BBQ at my house with several of my ex-coworkers. I suggested the idea to my wife before my employment arrangement changed abruptly and she seem copacetic. Later, my ignorance and inability to comprehend doublespeak was revealed.

Several days before the BBQ my wife become very anxious and irritated when she found out everyone coming was female. This was purely by happenstance. All spouses or significant others were invited but none could attend due to work responsibilities or plans.

Reminding my wife that I'm a middle aged adult male, working in a significantly female dominated world did little to therapeutically defuse the situation. Putting out the fire with gasoline was the effect achieved. She stated, that it's inappropriate and disrespectful to host other females in our home, who I no longer have a working relationship with.

I told her it would provide a bit of closure and continuity for everyone. Direct patient care is like navigating a psycho-physio war zone of emotional chasms and insurmountable summits. No one goes it alone. I wanted to do something nice for my fellow coworkers and aides. To show my appreciation and to recognize the help and solid care they provided. She was not appeased and enlisted the support of her in condemning my actions.

I respect my wife's feelings, 25 years at this would have ended it long ago if it were otherwise. But I have no intention of catering to illogical fear and irrational gender bias. If the situation was reversed, my mindset would not change.

Is this some type of unspoken and overstepped Opposite Sex Coworker Social Boundary infringement I missed?

"Later, my ignorance and inability to comprehend doublespeak was revealed."

"my wife become very anxious and irritated when she found out everyone coming was female"

"Putting out the fire with gasoline was the effect achieved."

"I have no intention of catering to illogical fear and irrational gender bias"

I am with some prior posters. This does not sound like a professional boundary issue to me, it sounds like a relationship issue.

If it was a professional issue, I might take a stab at some advice. I have no relationship advice, except good luck.

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I don't find it wise to seek marital dispute validation on a nursing forum. This is a marital issue. You either respect your wife or you don't. If you "have no intention of catering to illogical fear," (condescending phraseology btw) then you need to tell her that, hopefully in a more compassionate tone to her feelings, and possibly a marriage counselor. Not us. Good luck.

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Specializes in Emergency, Telemetry, Transplant.

Honestly, if she is that upset about you having female former coworkers over, it seems like there may be trust issues. Yes, this is a bit presumptive, but I know neither you nor your wife. I think you need to address this with her and counseling may not be a bad idea. Good luck with everything!

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Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).

In such case, cycOsys, I like to rely on truisms:

"Pick your battles."

"Happy wife, happy life."

This doesn't mean I always follow them, but when I do, it sure cuts down on the drama!

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Agree with others - more of a personal issue. Since you've been married awhile, this type of issue has never come up before?

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My husband invited some coworkers over once. A few were female. I didn't think twice.

If she's going to be at the bbq, why would she mind? I could maybe see her qualms if you were going out for drinks with female coworkers after work without her.

Sounds like a heart to heart is in order.

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Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
Recently, I had plans to have a BBQ at my house with several of my ex-coworkers. I suggested the idea to my wife before my employment arrangement changed abruptly and she seem copacetic. Later, my ignorance and inability to comprehend doublespeak was revealed.

Several days before the BBQ my wife become very anxious and irritated when she found out everyone coming was female. This was purely by happenstance. All spouses or significant others were invited but none could attend due to work responsibilities or plans.

Reminding my wife that I'm a middle aged adult male, working in a significantly female dominated world did little to therapeutically defuse the situation. Putting out the fire with gasoline was the effect achieved. She stated, that it's inappropriate and disrespectful to host other females in our home, who I no longer have a working relationship with.

I told her it would provide a bit of closure and continuity for everyone. Direct patient care is like navigating a psycho-physio war zone of emotional chasms and insurmountable summits. No one goes it alone. I wanted to do something nice for my fellow coworkers and aides. To show my appreciation and to recognize the help and solid care they provided. She was not appeased and enlisted the support of her in condemning my actions.

I respect my wife's feelings, 25 years at this would have ended it long ago if it were otherwise. But I have no intention of catering to illogical fear and irrational gender bias. If the situation was reversed, my mindset would not change.

Is this some type of unspoken and overstepped Opposite Sex Coworker Social Boundary infringement I missed?

The only thing I can think of here is that your wife might not appreciate having a group of women in her home who likely have at times spent more time with you than she has. Factor in that she has probably heard you talk about these woman a lot and I can see why she might be uncomfortable. Would you really feel no discomfort if she invited a bunch of men she worked with for a BBQ. I am not saying her feelings are completely rational but as I psych nurse I have seen much simpler things cause huge issues for couples.

Hppy

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