How do I handle a man that talks inappropriately?

Question

There is a customer that comes in every day to bs w/ us workers. He tends to be overly sexual in his language and when he talks that way to me I feel very offended. None of the other girls seem to mind but I think it is very disrespectful. They say "Oh that's just the way he is, he is harmless." My boss seems to feel the same way. What do I do? I do not want him to stop talking to me cause he is hillarius otherwise and seems nice. I just have respect for myself and think he should too.

Yeah, I do not want to seem prude or uncool. That is why this is such a tough one for me. I have only been there 4 months and am still called new.

Answer 1

Diplomacy is like telling a person to go to hell in such a way that he looks forward to the trip.

Be diplomatic with the man and let him know that, while you think that he is a really nice guy, you don't always appreciate his comments. If that doesn't work, then say it a little more directly and perhaps remind your boss that sexual harrassment is discriminatory and against the law.

Answer 2

Tell him how you feel when he talks like that, but in a nice way so that he won't feel being hurt or disrespected. Just tell him one-on-one and be sure to pick out the right words. Tell him also the you have the need to be respected as an individual. Ask him not to change the way he is because you can't change him (only he can if he wants to) and tell him that the issue is about his choice of words.

Answer 3

You either grin and bear it, or you cut his legs off and he'll go away. Your choice. Bear in mind, however, that if you are the only one offended, and you do something about it, then people are likely to sympathise with him, and think that you are a killjoy prude.

What I said is especially true if you are new to the job. You could find yourself quickly disliked.

I think perhaps you should give us examples of the kind of things he says, because anything you do will have repercussions. Just how bad is he?

Answer 4

If no one tells him he is crossing their personal boundary lines how is he to tell? Tell him you appreciate most of his humour but you & some of the others find his induendoes demeaning and to personal as they make you uncomforable. As a man i find continual bad laungage disturbing & have sussesfully got work mates ,aquaintances, to greatly reduce their obsenities by adding up how many x said in an hour and telling them. -- Merry Christmas !

Answer 5

Acceptance rules!