Message #51206

[countrigal]

And of course, if nothing else works, simply look him in the eye and tell him you do not appreciate his personal comments on your dress or your family, and that you'd appreciate it if, when he needs to talk to you, he keep it professional and from the appropriate side of your desk (ie: not inside your cubicle) and you'll be glad to assist him on any work issues that may arise.  Let  him know that you do not feel it is necessary to be "chummy" at work, that you are there to do your job and you'll be glad to let him do his without the unneccesary chit-chat.  Sometimes these men think they need to chat you up to get you to help them, and don't realise that we're professionals and don't need to be coddled when it comes to work.  Give it to us straight and let us get on with our work, for goodness sake!

And definitely keep documentation of these things, no matter how minor they may seem, so that if he isn't benign, then you'll have something to support your claims of bothersome or harrassing behavior, depending on the level it reaches.

CountriGal
Peer Moderator