Rules for being respectful around women

[EvianBaby]

I'm the only female in my company and so when the lads are in the office the conversations can turn into what some might consider slightly distasteful.

I'm not offended by any of it at all, even the stuff directed at me although I of course pretend as though I find it all vile and 'threathen' to record it and take them to tribunal.

Anyway, I want to create some sort of list to pin up in the office about how the men should behave whilst in my presence. You know, the sex word should not be mentioned, etc.

It's all just a bit of a laugh, not to be taken seriously so can anyone think of any suggestions as to what I can add to my list of 'rules'?

[gness]

Thou shalt not break wind.

[cathfromsaron]

the workplace should be safe for all, and that 'male-streamism' lads' culture IS offensive!

outside work, do what you like!

[sunny-dave]

In my experience (as the only male in an office of seven women) the boot was usually on the other foot .... easiest way to get Dave to do a tea run = start talking about women's malfunctioning ... err ... bits.

[Bambiagain]

I think you might be opening yourself to more trouble if you do that. Many years ago I worked in a job where I was on shift, and when I was on nights I was the only woman in a large building. It was fairly relaxed in the middle of the night and the men behaved as... well, as men do. There were only two options; join in and become one of the lads or rise above it. I chose to rise above it, but never to do anything more than occasionally make a joke about things. We got on fine. But had I chosen to try and write rules for them it could have created an atmosphere that would have made the working realtionship difficult. I think jokey references to taking them to tribunals are fine, but if you try to give them lists of what they may and may not do you may open up a whole new can of worms.

[EvianBaby]

To you it might be Cath, but to me it isn't. Actually, I find it quite amusing most of the time.

And as Dave says, us women can give as good as we get.

[Prudie]

Working in a totally male dominated environment I can relate to this, personally I'd have:
No graphic discussion about other women's bits or performance
No use of the C word - that does actually offend me.

[craft1948]

I loved working with men...............but I had my firemen's calendar on the wall.

[baza]

men should always adjust their clothing before leaving the gents.

[EvianBaby]

Seriously Bambi, I know it is fine.

One of the bosses is my brother. (he does not make sexual references to me).

Please don't let this turn into a thread about rights and wrongs, it's just a bit of fun.

[gness]

Ev would have to start talking to herself about women`s malfunctioning...er....bits. That could be a wonderful conversation.

[sunny-dave]

You could post the AB swearyword filter list - and insist on the use of "ladygarden" and "Foster's" etc ...

[Bambiagain]

I'm just considering what you might lay yourself open to if you put things in writing - however light-hearted. But if you know they'll take it in good part, that's fine.

[jomifl]

Pocket billiards only during fag breaks.,

[woofgang]

Rule 1 The woman is always right
Rule 2 See rule 1
Rule 3 If any man shall, at any time, think that, in any way, he might, with any stretch of the imagination, be right, see rule 1

[EvianBaby]

Lol, I might start leaving tampons casually lying around in places.

Going out for a couple of hours but look forward to more additions when I get back. :)

[cathfromsaron]

well when there are strippers, calendars and nights out, and you make the tea and get passed over for promotion because you aren't in the golf club, or whatever, THEN you might be offended!

but i agree women can be equally 'open'!

[gness]

If you possess dangly bits it`s your turn to bring in cream cakes.

[EvianBaby]

Cath, all that is relevant to me actually. Well except I wouldn't stand hope of promotion against the others unless I learn some metal bashing. In the same way they won't get a promotion over me unless they learn how to count. And they don't play golf. All the other things you mentioned happen. It doesn't bother me in the slightest.

Keep them coming - making me chuckle! I'll reply properly when I get back.

[WyeDyed]

Use of the words/phrases like "Fwoar!", "you don't many of them to the pound", "Wouldn't you just" are only acceptable when Yacketty Sax is playing in the office.

[WyeDyed]

;0)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MK6TXMsvgQg