Should I be fired for this?

Question

A woman in my office got up to go the restroom and grabbed her purse, I said "that time of the month,huh?" and she started crying and left the office.

HR contacted me, got my side of the story. Things are now being discussed with Management and I may be terminated.

Isn't it pretty well known that when a woman brings her purse to the restroom, she's on her period?

Answer 1

That's exactly the kind of thing that can get you fired. Whether you think that's outrageous or not, it's the reality of the workplace today. If you are a man - most especially a white man under the age of 40, you are constantly in danger of being fired for harrassing others. The very best thing you can do is keep your freaking mouth shut tight.

Answer 2

Oh my, what an insenstive (and as you've found out) stupid thing to say. Perhaps it was just that 'time' or perhaps she's having a miscarriage. What you said may constitute harassment of a sexual nature. Even if it does not it was deragatory and sexist.

Women take their purses for many reasons, including make-up fixes, contact change or cleaning, brushing their teeth, etc. You have NO idea how much stuff will fit into a woman's purse.

Quite frankly you should have made your observation in your own head (maybe you were having one of those days where every though pops out of your mouth) and not verbalized it. In the future, I'd recommend you mind your own business and avoid this again.

Answer 3

No, it's not "well-known" that when we women bring our purses to the restroom we are on our periods. Maybe she wanted to redo her makeup. These days comments such as that are, as you've found out, politically incorrect (i.e., offensive). I think if this is all that really happened, she did overreact. But if you haven't harassed her in any way, and they are considering firing you for this, that is an overreaction as well.

I think that the correct type of action would be for HR to call both you and the woman in so that it can be worked out to both your satisfactions. If you've been doing a satisfactory job, being fired for this would be wrong. Has there been any other negative interactions between you and her?

Some people are just more senstivie than others. That woman apparently is. That's not your fault, but your saying what you did obviously embarrassed and/or set her off.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Spitting something out of your mouth like that can be grounds for sexual harassment. Just because a woman takes her purse to the restroom doesn't necessarily mean "it's that time of the month". None of your business or anyone's for that matter. She could be taking her purse for numerous other reasons. As for her starting to cry, you could have caught her on a really bad day. Perhaps she'd just found out she can never have children anymore and is going to have to have surgery to have a hysterectomy. So when you said that, it just reminded her? You just never know what goes on in ANYONE's mind especially if they're having a bad day.
If you're married and someone said that to your wife or your daughter, would you appreciate that? Think of your actions before you speak next time. And maybe apologize to the lady and really mean it.

Answer 5

No, I take my purse everywhere! Why did you have to make a remark to her? I think she could've just taken it with her because people steal these days you know. I've been at jobs where you could trust people but in the back of your mind, you know you really shouldn't leave your purse anywhere. That's something moms teach daughters at an early age. If you can't hold your purse or have to leave it, you give it to a friend to watch that you know won't steal or you cover it with a jacket, push it under the seat of your car and lock the doors. Sometimes you guys can be so insensitive. Periods are nothing to make fun of. Some of us get severe cramps, nausea and migraines during that time. I don't think you should get fired though, but just watch what you say to people from now on.

Answer 6

Just because a woman takes her purse to a restroom doesn't mean a thing - they're putting on makeup, fussing with hair, etc. You should not have made that discourteous remark as it is none of your business when her "time" is. Try apologizing to her and make her believe you mean it. Then apologize to management and tell them you are a knuckle-dragging, immature Neanderthal.

Answer 7

Ummm NO!!!!! That is not well known, and that is basis for a sexual harrassment case goofball!

Don't you know that the things that you say at home to your friends are not the same things that you bring to the job?!

i'm sure you meant no harm honey, but it won't matter to HR....I hope you dont lose your job over it, but open your eyes to the fact that there is no such thing as anything goes when it comes to a job...that is how you take care of your needs ....so next time keep the wisecracks to yourself, because the potential laugh is not worth it!

Answer 8

Wow! I don't think you should get fired for that. How well do you know this woman? Have you had problems with her before? Maybe she is not feeling well because of her period and is weepy. I would apologize if you think it would not make the situation worse. Since you didn't say anything harassing I think you'll be OK. Females can be very private about that time of the month, though

Answer 9

You probably won't get terminated, because my guess is this woman is a complaining pain in the @ss. However, you might just get terminated - and I am sorry to hear that. Some bosses have a very low tolerance for employees nailed by troublemaking females. Good luck. Although the comment was unfortunate and I am sure you would take it back if you could, you may not get the chance.

Answer 10

I always bring my purse to the bathroom. That doesn't mean I'm on my period. My question is why the hell to do you care if its her time of the month. Were you trying to imagine what she was doing in the bathroom? You are dumb for asking and yes you can get fired but you might not. Next time keep your comments to yourself. IDIOT!!!