Sexual harrassment or just an old creep?

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Orion81RN

962 Posts

I was reading a thread recently on FB where so many people thought it was perfectly appropriate to flirt in the work place. Both men and women. But it really puts us in a very awkward position when the feelings are not mutual. I mean look at the extent that this is making you uncomfortable. You have to come to a discussion board for advice on it. Why don't people just understand that this is not ok.

It's easier outside of work to turn someone down. But at work...it just gets more uncomfortable. And it's not right.

Slight flirting in some work place environments...fine, IF clearly reciprocated. Otherwise....just..no.

JKL33

6,777 Posts

Just be direct.

"[Name], people are starting to think you have an interest in me beyond 'casual workplace acquaintance.' I have wondered the same and it is making me uncomfortable. You can't come down here looking for me, and you can't talk to me in an overly-personal manner or invade my personal space. That kind of thing makes people uncomfortable and destroys a normal workplace relationship."

****

So the question for the group is, should the OP inform the manager that she has had this conversation? I kind of thing so, because you really can't predict how people will react to this, especially if they feel rejected/threatened/humiliated.

The reason not to tell anyone at this juncture would be the chances of someone in admn getting all hateful with the guy when he might very well just apologize and back off.

I still tend to think it's better to tell someone for the following reasons: 1) It has to stop 2) It is not appropriate 3) I think deep down people who sneak up behind someone and whisper do (or very well should) know that what they are doing is not appropriate, so they have already proven they have poor judgment

Jedrnurse, BSN, RN

2,776 Posts

Specializes in school nurse.

...yeah, sounds like he's got a different idea than you do about your work friendship. But please let the limit (and see if he honors it) before classifying it as harassment.

Just be direct.

"[Name], people are starting to think you have an interest in me beyond 'casual workplace acquaintance.' I have wondered the same and it is making me uncomfortable. You can't come down here looking for me, and you can't talk to me in an overly-personal manner or invade my personal space. That kind of thing makes people uncomfortable and destroys a normal workplace relationship."

I like what JKL33 suggested, but let me add this...... say something to the point of: "Listen, the other day the "manager" noticed us speaking to one another and told me I had to cut down on the chats. Not only that, somebody noticed the frequent chats we had and casually mentioned it to my husband and he didn't like it......"

One thing I do want to point out is, this gentleman is older. I believe you mentioned he's in his 60's. This is a different generation. Calling people (women) sugar, sweetheart, and beautiful is and was typical of this generation. This guy was born way before everybody became so PC on every little thing. Sure, he might not have gotten the memo that people aren't supposed to call others by those pet names, but it's hard to break old habits.

Perhaps this man is just lonely and wants to chat? Who knows what his intentions might be, but at this point you might just need to start mentioning the husband more and he'll get the message.

Here's a true story: I once worked at this place where this guy was my coworker. He'd always greet me, give me a hug, we'd have lunch together, AND, yes, he would say "Hello gorgeous" or "Hello sweetheart," etc.. I was here getting nervous thinking at some point, he might ask me out. To my surprise, turns out he was gay. He just told me he felt very comfortable around me and had fun chatting with me. This whole time I was sweating bullets playing out various scenarios of what was going to happen if he asked me out, etc. LOL

See.......you just never know what a person's intentions are. You could be thinking one thing, where they are thinking something completely different!

llg, PhD, RN

13,469 Posts

Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

So the question for the group is, should the OP inform the manager that she has had this conversation? I kind of thing so, because you really can't predict how people will react to this, especially if they feel rejected/threatened/humiliated.

The reason not to tell anyone at this juncture would be the chances of someone in admn getting all hateful with the guy when he might very well just apologize and back off.

I would probably not say anything to my manager at this time -- but I would probably tell a friend (or even try to arrange to have the friend present when I said something to the man so that there would be a witness.) I don't think it is fair for the OP to officially accuse him of anything or get him in trouble with the management unless she has clearly told him "No" and given him a chance to stop. I think he deserves 1 chance to hear her and change. And it doesn't sound like she has given him a clear message that he is crossing her boundaries.

LovingLife123

1,592 Posts

I was reading a thread recently on FB where so many people thought it was perfectly appropriate to flirt in the work place. Both men and women. But it really puts us in a very awkward position when the feelings are not mutual. I mean look at the extent that this is making you uncomfortable. You have to come to a discussion board for advice on it. Why don't people just understand that this is not ok.

It's easier outside of work to turn someone down. But at work...it just gets more uncomfortable. And it's not right.

Slight flirting in some work place environments...fine, IF clearly reciprocated. Otherwise....just..no.

The problem is, people don't know how to be direct and communicate. People don't want to ever confront issues.

You simply say, I'm a happily married woman who loves her husband. I've had to do it before. I had one person actually say to me, well I've never heard you say you love him. I stated well, I do. I respect our friendship, but I love my husband and family. If that's a problem for you, then we can't talk.

People just want to hide when something makes them remotely uncomfortable. I think if we communicated a little better, there wouldn't be so many problems in the world.

klone, MSN, RN

14,790 Posts

Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.
Kinda hard to tell if he just wants to talk ... or wants more..

You think whispering "Hi beautiful" is kind of hard to tell what his intentions are?

OP, I agree with others who have said that you need to verbalize clearly to this person that his attentions are not wanted. Then, if it continues, you should take it up the chain of command.

klone, MSN, RN

14,790 Posts

Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.
I would just start playing things down, say things like...I am so busy now (and then walk away)... wow, you are in the ER again...mention you are married (my husband and I are having a date tonight etc), and hopefully he will get the message, if not you may have to be more direct (I am married and not interested in a relationship etc).

I disagree with the first part. IMO, she needs to do the bolded.

klone, MSN, RN

14,790 Posts

Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.
Just be direct.

"[Name], people are starting to think you have an interest in me beyond 'casual workplace acquaintance.' I have wondered the same and it is making me uncomfortable. You can't come down here looking for me, and you can't talk to me in an overly-personal manner or invade my personal space. That kind of thing makes people uncomfortable and destroys a normal workplace relationship."

****

So the question for the group is, should the OP inform the manager that she has had this conversation? I kind of thing so, because you really can't predict how people will react to this, especially if they feel rejected/threatened/humiliated.

The reason not to tell anyone at this juncture would be the chances of someone in admn getting all hateful with the guy when he might very well just apologize and back off.

I still tend to think it's better to tell someone for the following reasons: 1) It has to stop 2) It is not appropriate 3) I think deep down people who sneak up behind someone and whisper do (or very well should) know that what they are doing is not appropriate, so they have already proven they have poor judgment

Yes to all of this.

TriciaJ, RN

4,328 Posts

Specializes in Psych, Corrections, Med-Surg, Ambulatory.

I wouldn't assume he wants more than a workplace friendship, but I also wouldn't assume he doesn't. I think I'd say something along the lines of: "I've enjoyed our workplace chats but then I have to rush to get my work caught up. Also, my coworkers are starting to tease me about "our romance" and when I tell my husband about our chats, he seems to think they're excessive. You're probably having similar problems, so it wouldn't hurt my feelings if you came around a bit less. It would actually make me less uncomfortable."

Hopefully he gets the message and gets to save face.

OldDude

1 Article; 4,787 Posts

Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.
Just be direct.

"[Name], people are starting to think you have an interest in me beyond 'casual workplace acquaintance.' I have wondered the same and it is making me uncomfortable. You can't come down here looking for me, and you can't talk to me in an overly-personal manner or invade my personal space. That kind of thing makes people uncomfortable and destroys a normal workplace relationship."

****

So the question for the group is, should the OP inform the manager that she has had this conversation? I kind of thing so, because you really can't predict how people will react to this, especially if they feel rejected/threatened/humiliated.

The reason not to tell anyone at this juncture would be the chances of someone in admn getting all hateful with the guy when he might very well just apologize and back off.

I still tend to think it's better to tell someone for the following reasons: 1) It has to stop 2) It is not appropriate 3) I think deep down people who sneak up behind someone and whisper do (or very well should) know that what they are doing is not appropriate, so they have already proven they have poor judgment

I think the manager should be informed; they likely are already aware of it in some fashion and it would be better for them to get the straight story. This guy is a professional and knows better...regardless of his intentions.

Mids

14 Posts

I like what JKL33 suggested, but let me add this...... say something to the point of: "Listen, the other day the "manager" noticed us speaking to one another and told me I had to cut down on the chats. Not only that, somebody noticed the frequent chats we had and casually mentioned it to my husband and he didn't like it......"

I disagree with this. If she is not interested and wants the behavior to stop, she should be direct about that. Using these excuses, he could take it as his behavior is wanted, but that it needs to be more discreet because others do not like it. Which could likely end up with him cornering her somewhere more private where it would be harder for her to get away if it does actually become sexual harassment.

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