Can anybody explain my work colleague's strange habit?

Question

There is a person who sits next to me at work who constantly moves his thighs in and out to the point where his whole self is moving.

I find it annoying because you can hear his pant legs shuffling but it is also distracting as I can see him moving from the corner of my eye. I just wish the bastard would sit still like everyone else.

Is he masturbating or does he simply not realise what he is doing?

This is a relatively recent occurrance which has me perplexed.

Thanks

Answer 1

Sounds to me like he has a tic, sometimes associated with tourettes. Attached is a website. I do not think it is intentional, and he may be embarrased if you ask him about it, but better than building up your frustration. So be polite, but say it distracts you :-) Chris

Answer 2

Is it a mere "tic" or habit, like clicking an ink pen repeatedly? Maybe he doesn't realize it, -- especially if he's ADHD, and if you politely asked him to quit, maybe he would... or might at least try.
Also, that would cause him to know why you might sometimes be glancing his direction, so he doesn't start to think that you are being weird concerning him. Given half a chance, people can often start thinking all kinds of things 'til we understand a matter.

Answer 3

That is so funny! My husband does this and it drives me CRAZY! He is not masturbating just be clear, but he constantly moves his thighs, in and out like you described. This is actually a syndrome believe it or not, but I can't remember the name of it. It's an unconscious action, the person doesn't ususally know they are doing it, until someone points it out. Just do what I do to my husband. Tell him to stop shaking his f**king legs!!

Answer 4

I used to do this sometimes. It is just a habit to expend nervous energy. A couple times I think it gave me an erection but that wasn't my goal, it just happened. Never had an orgasm from it, sadly.

If I were you I would talk to your co-worker about it. Explain that it is distracting, ask why he does it, ask if he wouldn't mind please stopping. Most likely he will be embarassed that you brought it up and he will try to stop. If he forgets try clearing your throat loudly to remind him.

If that fails then ask your boss to move you and explain why.

Answer 5

I have a colleague that insists on doing something destracting in every meeting we have... pen clicking, finger/shoe tapping, binder ring clicking... he drives me NUTS!

I've put up with it 8hrs at a time, twice a month for two years... and finally I snapped and told him if he didnt quit it, I was going to shove the pen/what have you up his ass... he was shocked and we had a huge laugh about it afterwards..

I think honestly, he's got attention deficit or something, but at least he knows now and we can attend the meetings in peace

*click click clickety click* (I swear, that sound eats a hole in my brain).

Good luck!

Answer 6

You are right; he may be unaware of this behavior. If it bothers you, you can simply say something like, "Hey, I don't know if you noticed, but you've been moving your legs a lot. I've noticed because it distracts me from my work. I'd really appreciate it if you didn't move your legs like that. Thanks."

Answer 7

it is probable only a habit. do exactly not let the difficulty you; everyone have conduct that difficulty others. perchance even you tap your pencil on your table or something and that's driving him nuts!

Answer 8

I think it's just a bad habit. Don't think it's masturbating. Where such problems are concerned it's best to tell them in a nice patient way it's annoying and distracting you and can they please stop doing it.

Answer 9

maybe he has crab's or something

tell your boss and get them to talk to him

keep away yuk

Answer 10

could be a neurological problem
anxiety can cause it too