Want a bagel?
Yesterday morning, someone began to seriously toe the line of friendliness versus sexual harrassment with me. He’s a nice guy–we say hello whenever we see each other and he asks how my day is going. If he seemed to fixate a bit, I chalked it up to the fact that he seemed to be a bit… I don’t even know what the politically correct term is–“developmentally challenged”, perhaps? Slightly retarded, in other words.
Yesterday morning, however, while I was getting breakfast, he came up to me and began to make really odd comments, on repeat. The conversation began innocuously enough: questions about where I was spending break, if I was looking forward to going home, if I was looking forward to coming back. Saying I better come back from break, “‘cuz it would be a shame for such a pretty, pretty girl to leave Rose”. Several similar statements regarding my looks were made, with a definite sexual overtone before I managed to grab my done bagels from the toaster and get the hell away.
Right. So. I was a bit creeped out. Just a bit. Thought about talking to his higher-ups, thought about getting serious with him–he’s apparently one of those who thinks I’m all smiles and giggles, and fuck if I know how he got that idea. Thought about just telling him I was uncomfortable with the way he talked to me. Not sure how that last could go–somehow I suspect there would be pleading me not to tell his higher-ups, like I’m some kind of goddamn blackmailer.
But there is the distinct possiblity that it was just too early in the morning, and I read into his (definitely) effusive praise more than was there. It happens. Well, not usually to me, but I’ve heard it has happened to other people. I’m usually not effusively praised at all.
I suppose I shall just sit on this. (And twirl? Nevermind…) I’ll probably forget all about it over Christmas break (which is actually why I wrote it down here, so I wouldn’t), and things will be cooler when I return. Because things just fix themselves like that. Much like potentially killed potential friendships in which you are left with no damn idea where things stand, because, dammit, you didn’t put a request for a read receipt on that e-mail, but the stony look at dinner–or the pointed not look–leads you think the e-mail was either destroyed upon reading the subject or identifying the sender, without having been opened, read, or considered for discussion.
Um, yeah. Just like that, too.
11 Comments
Lissa
Yes, but there was something distinctly un-funny about the entire situation that I can’t shake. [:|]
Dess
I had no stony look at dinner, and no pointed *not* look either. I hadn’t read your diatribe yet. Check your email, I just read it.
Lissa
Already replied.
Dulin
huh… You have a stalker… I wish I had a stalker… now I’m jealous… He was probably just trying to be flirty too early in the morning… But if you think he’s being too sexual, just kick him in the nuts… he’ll get the message…
Jenny
I fear this is becoming my habitual reply, but, here goes: look him straight in the eye, threaten to rip his balls off, then laugh. hysterically.
but i’m confused – does he work for the university – what do you mean “higher-ups”?
nevertheless, i maintain my position on the violent testicular extraction plan
see you soon!
Hannah
Is this that same other guy who was annoying you earlier? Or does the mention of “higher-ups” mean he works for the university?
Lissa
This isn’t the same guy at all, and he is an employee.
Hannah
Eeeeee-gad. Hey, when are you going to be home for Christmas?
Lissa
I’m home now!!! When are the parties beginning??!! [:D]
Hannah
Parties…hm, right. I don’t know. I would like to get together with you, Michael, Mia, and Jenny soon so that I can give you guys the Christmas gifts I got you. But, I don’t know when. How’s Monday for you?
Lissa
Monday’s cool. Plus, those of us so inclined need to see LotR. (I may be getting my license that day, too. Yay!)