I had a new coworker embarass me when I helped myself to some pretzels on a snack table.?

Question

She saw me use my hand in a bowl of pretzels and she made this huge production about it. There was no serving utensel in the bowl. I don't feel it's any different than passing around a bag of chips or something. The "informal" survey I've been taking since the incident is swaying towards "this woman is nuts!" Because the young woman is of another race, my husband thinks it may border on racism. What is your opinion?

Answer 1

She probably has issues with people touching food, and might be oversensitive to the idea of germs. Some people get these ideas in their heads and aren't necessarily rational about it. (Kind of like the people who have to check their front door six times to make sure it is locked.) Some people can't even go outside their houses, they are so afraid of germs! Have you seen the tv show Monk? The main character is like that.

I'd just try to avoid this woman when you can. Watch to see if she does it to other people.

I think normal people won't have a problem with you touching pretzels.

Answer 2

I wouldn't jump on the racism bandwagon unless you have more than that - unfortunately it's a greatly abused word/charge and it's overuse tends to make people desensitize to it. I can't remember how many times I've seen people reach into a bowl of pretzels or chips - it's a common thing. I say find a bar that serves peanuts and pretzels in bowls on the tables and bar, and go out with her and a bunch of co-workers. Dig in, and offer her some! Believe me, it's her, not you! Either she'll lighten up, or go nuts - either way, have a blast!!

Answer 3

I don't think race has anything to do with it. Some people don't like eating from the same bowl that somebody else has reached into. That is why there is usually some kind of serving utensil provided. I have witnessed this same type of incident on more than one occasion.
I also think the only racism exhibited here was from your husband.

Answer 4

What race is she? What race are you? I'd have to know a little more about what she said and what her attitude was like before I could make a judgement on this.

As far as I know, reaching into a bowl of chips or something that other people are going to reach into is fine. Most people don't even notice or have a problem with it. If your coworker went out of her way to embarrass you, sounds like she's the one with the problem. Perhaps you should discuss this with your boss?

Answer 5

pretzels are a finger food. I've never in my life seen some type of serving utensil used to get pretzels. Probably the host had never seen it either because no utensil was provided. You're OK, that woman is a little crazy.

Answer 6

She is nuts! Pretzels are finger food. some people are so freaked out about that stuff. People have been sharing food for millenium and we're still around. who cares what race any of us is, we all have hands and mouths, and we all eat. She is the one with the problem, and you have senority, anyway.

Answer 7

Nay nothing racial , She's just one of those clean freaks , ignore her get your pretzels with your hands , after all they are called finger food , if she don't want to eat any after you put your hand in them she can go hungry

Answer 8

I don't think its racism,, i do think that this woman has something against u,, u know like women often are jealous of other women and they try to make u look stupid.
If she keeps it up,, tell her to her face to mind her own business

Answer 9

it's like the double dipping thing, but heck everyone does it, and I would do it too. I don't understand the racism comment though.

Answer 10

Well, even if she was grossed out by this, it was tacky to make a big deal of it. She could have just decided not to eat any herself.