Trying not to get angry at co-worker

**bricelythgoe** · 13th February 09, 07:53 AM

I am really to the point where I want to strangle one of my co-workers. Today, for valentines day, this person brought me a gift bag with pom-poms in it. He said that I could use them when I put my “skirt” on. Even his girlfriend, who was with him at the time, said I could give them to my son and he could cheer for me in his “skirt” (I plan on getting my 3 ½ year old a kilt soon). They think this is so funny, but I am not laughing. There were students present when he gave it to me, so I had to hold back a little bit. I would like to know what you guys would have done in this situation. I have to work with this guy, so I don’t want to make a big deal. However, maybe I should. Let me know what you think!

**Panache** · 13th February 09, 08:06 AM

"How considerate of you! Unfortunately the toories on a proper Scottish bonnet are a wee bit smaller than this. Still I will look at these and think to myself that you are cheering on my Highland attire. Good day"

Cheers

Jamie

**beloitpiper** · 13th February 09, 08:08 AM

I would've just muttered "thanks" then dropped them in the trash.

**cavscout** · 13th February 09, 08:10 AM

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"

**Adam Pound** · 13th February 09, 08:11 AM

Take a photo of his girlfriend and pin the pom poms on at strategic locations.

**DWFII** · 13th February 09, 08:11 AM

If you can't laugh with them, you are setting yourself up for more ridicule. On the other hand, if you can't laugh at yourself, maybe you shouldn't wear a kilt. No criticism there just sayin'...take it easy.

**Nighthawk** · 13th February 09, 08:11 AM

I think that this sounds like an HR issue. I had to make a sexual harassment complaint against a male co worker. That ended things. Also, I posted a large printout of the definition of the word "stupidity" in my work area. The definition I used was "stupid - unintelligent: lacking intelligence; "a dull job with lazy and unintelligent co-workers." Along with this definition of the word Ignorant : "ignorance - the lack of knowledge or education." I then concluded at the end of my printed out decoration with "Ignorant people simply don't know, while stupid people refuse to learn. Ignorance is understandable- stupidity is pathetic." That seemed to help a bit.

**Larry124** · 13th February 09, 08:15 AM

I might consider it a dumb but not necessarily mean joke in the category of teasing.

And then I’d return the favor. Revenge is a dish best served cold.
What does HE wear?
Hawaiian shirts? Bring him a lei.
Holed jeans? Bring him some iron-on patches or a book on hobo lore.
Scuffed shoes? Shoe polish or a brush.
Cowboy hat or boots? Bring him some spurs or a lasso/lariat or a plastic sheriff's badge.
Almost everyone displays at least a little bit of clothing eccentricity. Use your imagination.

If you think that it was mean spirited then you might go full schoolyard.
Is he bald, short, fat, wear glasses, etc? Those are the traditional opportunities for teasing.

Consequences: Of course as in (USA) football it’s usually the retaliation that draws the penalty.

**RedBeard** · 13th February 09, 08:17 AM

Tell him to go**** himself. and tell his woman that you you hope her legs grow together. That will work.

**Kerr the Walker** · 13th February 09, 08:20 AM

I've used this one and it seemed to work: "All of your joke making privelages have been revoked. All jokes must be submitted in writing, and if I haven't heard them a million times, you will be granted permission to voice said joke outloud. Until permission is granted, please keep all stupid comments to yourself.".

Said it with a genuine smile on my face. Haven't gotten any static since.