Flirts

I’ve been a little perturbed by the amount of inappropriate flirting and drifting of eyes that goes on in my office. By no means am I Mr. Innocent – I can most definitely recognize the beauty of the opposite sex. But that recognition does not result in inappropriate behavior. I think of myself as very respectful and making sure that I don’t make others feel awkward.

But, lately, I’ve been noticing how many of the married guys in my office are obviously checking out my female coworkers. It’s so obvious how their eyes are just roaming up and down the bodies of these ladies. It’s all so disrespectful. I can’t help but notice these things ‘cause its really so blatant. Am I becoming prudish? Checking out a girl down the street is one thing but, c’mon, can’t we be tactful about the women in our office?

Even worse is the “balls” some of these guys have in the comments they make to these women. They’re really pushing it. My HR manager and I were inflating balloons a couple months back. A couple of guys, at different points, had to make obvious idiotic jokes about her and “blow jobs”. Really? You’re actually saying this to our HR manager? I can’t think of all these different instances of obvious inappropriateness but the tone is definitely there.

Why do people think they can ignore the rules and act the way they do? Why do coworkers allow this to happen? Is it really okay when they say it's okay? Or is it just easier to let these things slide? That just gives these guys the go-ahead to test the waters and keep crossing the new lines that are extending further and further.