The sum of the article is to stop using what men think are cute come-=on’s to the woman.
We can see them for what they are.
That seems like a good summary. Unless you know a co-worker is interested, a come on at work is just going to come off as awkward and uncomfortable. Even jokes, not serious passes, are likely to fall flat if you haven’t gotten to know someone to the point where you would both understand you were joking.
I agree with that generally but the broad brush “don’t” list of this article is at times crazy.
Don’t comment on a woman’s appearance.
This one is insane, Yes the example they offer is a bit creepy.. but honestly if you see someone dressed down routinely and they dress up giving them a compliment is NOT sexual harassment, and if a woman is so thin skinned that a woman paying her a compliment is a violation of decorum, well then stay away from them anyway.
Now I am not saying compliment them non stop, or daily or creepily.. but I wear jeans and a T shirt most days, and on days I have to wear a suit for one reason or another I get commented on, both complimented and ribbed by my coworkers. This isn’t defacto sexual harassment.... and despite what our feminist lesbian man hating professors drilled down your throat in college, not every guy who makes a compliment is trying to get in your pants. In fact, I personally will make an effort to compliment women I don’t have any interest in in the least, if I can.
Yes, the attractive younger woman in the workplace is often getting a lot of unwanted attention, but those less blessed genetically in the looks department, or passed their prime, deserve a little acknowledgment and aren’t likely to run off to HR crying over an innocuous comment.
Basically don’t be a “creep” is a fine rule, but this list at some points is just stupid.
I live by the rule “ You NEVER, ever, fish the Company pond.”
You would be amazed at how often women make advances, seeing it as a game