Friendly professional tired of getting hit on at work
3 minute readPublished: Monday, February 16, 2026 at 5:00 am
Workplace Harassment: A Reader Seeks Advice
A reader, identifying as "Friendly in Massachusetts," has written to Dear Abby seeking advice on unwanted attention from men at her workplace. The reader, whose job requires her to be friendly to customers, feels she is attracting unwanted advances and attention, including sexual harassment from a coworker. She expresses frustration at the inability to deter these advances and seeks a solution.
Dear Abby's response acknowledges that the reader is not at fault. She suggests that wearing a wedding ring might deter unwanted attention from customers. However, the advice shifts when addressing the coworker's behavior. Abby emphasizes that workplace rules exist to protect employees from harassment.
The advice given to the reader focuses on documentation and direct confrontation. Abby advises the reader to start documenting the coworker's actions and to warn other female employees. The next time the harassment occurs, the reader is instructed to directly inform the coworker that his actions constitute harassment and that she will report him to her boss. Abby stresses the importance of following through with this threat, as the coworker's job could be at stake.
BNN's Perspective:
This situation highlights a common and unfortunate reality for many women in the workplace. While the advice offered by Dear Abby is practical and direct, it also underscores the need for clear workplace policies and a culture that actively discourages harassment. Employers have a responsibility to create a safe and respectful environment for all employees. The reader's experience underscores the importance of reporting harassment and the potential consequences for those who engage in such behavior.
Keywords: workplace harassment, sexual harassment, unwanted attention, coworker, Dear Abby, employee handbook, reporting, harassment, Massachusetts, workplace safety, hostile work environment