Trying not to get angry at co-worker

**Larry124** · 14th February 09, 01:06 AM

My thoughts go back and forth…

In my (retired from) workplace, there was by rule no presumption of innocence for the accused in a behavior complaint.
That did not seem right to me.
Complaints were also often used as form of counter-harassment, or worse, as a preemptive change of subject. Too often successful.

Also -- and I grant that this this may be a somewhat touchy subject -- might some kilt wearers have too thin a skin about teasing?

And as in the non-kilt subjects that we don't debate here; is there (or should there be) an entitlement to prevent a (perceived) offense?

**LANCER1562** · 14th February 09, 01:30 AM

From the tone of the original post, it sounded like this teasing about the "skirt" has been going on for a while but when this year's Darwin Award Winner made the comment about the poster's son that was going too far. Personally, I would inform that person that I can take a good deal of ribbing and insults but if he ever makes another rude or insulting comment about my family, not only will I file a formal complaint documenting date, time, and quotes but I may just break the jawbone of an ***.

**Geoff Withnell** · 14th February 09, 04:37 AM

Originally Posted by bricekolob

My problem is that I am not good at that. I have found that if I try to say something quick to get back, something really dumb usually comes out. I am the kind of person that has to think about something before I say it.

Someone who thinks befoe he speaks?! I need to get to know you better Sir! That is a good thing, not a problem.

Geoff Withnell

**bunchdescendant** · 14th February 09, 10:37 AM

Where I work, this would have cost him his job.

Go to HR, tell them you wish to document this harassment. Do not let it slide!

... and I do like Ron's raisin idea! Drive him bonkers!

Ray

**Cherub** · 14th February 09, 10:39 AM

Originally Posted by piperdbh

Gentles? You mean Gentiles?

Yes

**Kerr the Walker** · 14th February 09, 10:49 AM

Originally Posted by bricekolob

Just sent that message to him. Thanks for the idea.

Glad to help. Hope things work out and this guy finally grows up.

I must say, you did much better than I would. Like you, I can handle people giving me static about pretty much anything, but my family is a different matter entirely. I would probably been fired for giving this goon a dose of concrete gourmet for a jab at family.

**Mipi** · 14th February 09, 11:02 AM

Originally Posted by cavscout

Repackage the the pom poms and leave them on his desk with a big, easy to read from a distance note that says, "You left these at my place last night. Love Big Al"

That would be something.

**Mac Daibhidh** · 14th February 09, 12:14 PM

Originally Posted by Riverkilt

...Had I the power, I would give them a poker face and not react...let their "joke" fall flat, tell them, "I don't get it, explain what you mean."...

Ron

I have to agree with Ron on this one... This has worked for me before.
It works best if there are more peers around. Just look at him dumbfounded... and "---what Ron said---" . Jokes are not nearly as funny when they have to be explained. Especially more than once.

**Frank** · 14th February 09, 12:40 PM

You know the sad thing - what the dork is really expressing is his jealousy. I'll bet he'd just love to be able to kilt up, but not having the pom poms for it, he's taking revenge and seeking approval of his poor fragile masculinity by trying to be funny.

You want real revenge ? You want him to to realise and fully understand just what he's lost by coming out to the world as ant-kilt ?

Email him a link to x-marks.