Is this sexual harrassment?

[cruiser]

In my job I work with a variety of clients...and in saying that, some of them are clients that I may see on a repeat basis (e.g., 3-4 times a month or more, as our companys work on projects together).

Today I worked with a client that I had seen previously and at the end of our job, I made a comment about her eyes. She has the most amazing green eyes that I've ever seen (kind of aqua green in color).

I said to her..."is that the real color of your eyes, because I've never seen that color before?".....she replied "yes they are...and you wouldn't believe how many times I get asked that question"...I then replied..."oh..I thought that they might be colored contact lenses because people do that"...she said..."no, they aren't"....and then that was about it.

I will say that we don't work in an office environment....actually our work is outside in a "industrial" type setting (we both wear coveralls/hard hats and work boots)....so it's not like someone is out showing themselves off.

I wondered afterwards if I may of crossed the line...or if a person might see it as a compliment....I know that she has a bf...she's in her late 20's....I'm in early 40's.....I didn't say anything else or make any suggestions/innuendos.

Do I have anything to worry about or am I just being paranoid.....and if something comes back to me through my boss how should I handle it?

Any feedback would be appreciated...

thanks,

 

[Irresistible Isabelle]

I doubt you have anything to worry about.

Your comment was not in any way sexual, you are not in a position of power over her, there was no veiled threat and you were not creating a hostile work environment. Did she seem irritated or upset by it?

Legally speaking you have nothing to worry about.

That being said if she strikes you as the hysterical type, she might cause problems, but it doesn't sound like that would be an issue. Besides, any woman who is strong enough to hold a job that requires a hard hat has probably dealt with FAR worse before, and this should roll off like water on a ducks back.

Relax

 

[aznboi9]

I would agree with Isabelle. Especially given that she mentioned that she gets that question a lot would suggest that your comments are not a big deal to her and were viewed as platonic.

 

[Cousin Vinni]

Here's your next question

Last week the Beat 94.5 fm had the "Office Hottie Contest" for the Hottest Office Worker (if anyone listens to that Kid Carlson in the morning would know what I'm talking about). Anyway, what if I had asked the hottie in my office that I would like to take her pic and enter her to the contest (I was so tempted to say, cos she is just that hot), what's liklihood of me got myself into some big trouble?

 

[dipitydoo]

holy shit I can't believe how sad this is. It is insane how sanitized our living has become, you can't even express surprise when noticing something about someone of the opposite sex without fearing your comment will be considered harassment?

That is fucked up. I am sorry but is just too funny because I can't believe how many times I've been out on a first date here in Vancouver and so many women complain about men here, about how they don't come forward, how very little bravado or assertiveness they have in approaching them.


Dude relax and stop worrying, you did not make any comments that could be considered sexual harassment.
And if you like a girl, go ahead and come onto her without hesitation, just make sure you do it outside of your work hours. Be professional and you will be fine, no one can come after you for being a gentleman and expressing how you feel if it's done respectfully.

 

[Nickthenoob]

Your eyes are a romantic red... do you want me?

Errr... uv bun dronkin a loot

Aside from that shite...well done!

You have noticed her eyes!

Now, get a good joke and follow it with silly bs stuff that means something to you and her.

Ntn

 

[steverino]

I don't think

commenting on someone's eyes is a problem unless you attempt to squuze her left tit while waxing poetic about the eye colour. Touching the right tit is always ok.

 

[Stew]

The safest route is to never be the first one to comment on the personal appearance of a member of the opposite sex when you are in a business setting. If she says something about your personal appearance (hopefully something nice) then you can step up to bat and say something in return.

For the most part, it is best to leave observations about personal appearance to parties and bars.

Conservative approach? You betcha but it cuts down on the need to spend time in HR/LR meetings and worrying about something one might have said.

Stew

 

[kodiak_bear3]

do you know what a compliment is?

"is that the real color of your eyes, because I've never seen that color before?"

"oh..I thought that they might be colored contact lenses because people do that"

Do you think that this is a compliment?

What about:
"your eyes remind me of a wild waterfall splashing refreshing water in a emerald pond under the blue sky of a hot summer morning"


or:
"I need to keep my sunglass to avoid being blinded by your dazzling eyes"


or:
"If Botticelli had seen your eyes, he would have retouched those of his Birth of Venus"

And... the day that a woman will take the above compliments as sexual harassment... I will be happy to go to jail.

 

[G L Tyrebiter]

She was probably flattered.....

At least you noticed her eyes and weren't just staring at her b(.)(.)bs. Next time, you can comment on those and ask if they're real or "contacts".

I think that harassment line may be seen by some to be somewhere in between the two examples. The first, you're definitely OK. But who knows, harassment is determined by the recipient.

Like, for example, my first paragraph ..... meant as a joke, but if you took it as a flame, you'll be offended. Not my intent, but that doesn't matter if the offense is taken.

 

[cruiser]

Thanks for everyones feedback.....greatly apprceciated.

She is cute (but taken)...and has some nice curves...but seeing her outside of work will just be a dream at this point !

 

[belair]

She is cute (but taken)...and has some nice curves...but seeing her outside of work will just be a dream at this point !

Aha! You are making moves aren't you?! "At this point" my ass.

 

[John55]

Cruiser ur 1 weird person man, r u like 10 years old lmao!!!