Question for all ticklees on this forum. (PLEASE READ!)

[TheRhythmDoctor]

Question for EVERYONE on this forum. (PLEASE READ!)

If a 68 yr old guy whom you work with tried to tickle you all of a sudden, what would you do?

Somebody fitting that description actually tried doing that to me today at work. I told him to never do it again. He's 68 and married (his wife also work with us), but sometimes I have reason (like I clearly did today) to believe that he's a closet homosexual.

I'm straight, and a ticklee...therefore the only type of person (or persons) who could tickle me is a beautiful woman around the same age as me (24).

 

[TicklingDuo]

RD, I think it would depend upon the circumstances. In some cases, it would be welcomed. However, in a case such as your own, when it obviously is not, I think I'd go the same route as you did and ask that he not do it again. It's like any other unwanted advance. A simple but firm "no thanks" is often all it takes.

Ann

 

[Shem the Penman]

Gender doesn't make a difference when it comes to unwanted tickling. Just tell him no. I'd avoid the physical violence, though ... whatever the provocation, beating up a guy who's nearly three times your age generally doesn't look good.

 

[amk714]

I voted for tell him not to do it again, but if he does, complain to your supervisor--that's sexual harassment!

 

[drew70]

Now, if it were a 68-year old woman, I'd have no problem with that! 🙂

 

[P50]

<I><B>TheRhythmDoctor wrote: </B>If a 68 yr old guy ...tried to tickle ... I have reason ... to believe that he's a closet homosexual...." </I>


Item number 1: <I><B>Document !</B></I> You must keep a written record of this event. You must keep an off-campus copy of the record. The second copy must be identical to the first copy.

The word "document" does <I>not</I> require a notary public (although that wouldn't hurt, but it's going to extremes) but it <I>does</I> require that you <I><B>write down</B></I> what happened, when it happened, where it happened, and any other persons who may have observed it.

Along with the what-when-where-and-who questions, you need to document your response and the other person's response.

Telling your supervisor is not enough. Talk is worthless. it must be documented. The more accurately you can document the event, the greater your credibility (and force back) will be.

Examples...

<B>Worthless: </B> (You speaking with your mouth) <I>"... Well, he like did that before, awhile back.."</I>

<B>Useful: </B> (You, presenting a piece of paper) <I>"A similar incident occured at 3:37 p.m. on Thursday, December 19th, 2002 approximately 10 feet away from the laser printer near Kathy's cube when I was picking up some printouts. I'm not sure if Kathy saw it or not. George and Dick were in the area standing about 5 or 10 feet away in the other direction, and may have noticed it." </I>

My personal advice at this moment; don't fight back with this nuclear torpedo in public right now. This is your secret weapon. Suppose you're wrong ? If this guy is what you say, he'll give you all the rope you need to hang him.

Again I suggest and advise: (1) Talking is worthless (2) Write it down if you want his behavior to change.

 

[MistressValerie]

I voted for tell him not to do it again, but if he does, complain to your supervisor--that's sexual harassment!

I agree 100%. US law protects against male-on-male sexual harassment, and your employer will be held responsible if it fails to act.

Stay safe,

 

[Sunriseticklee]

I'd have to agree with Shem somewhat.

It doesn't matter the gender, age or sexual preference. If I don't want to be touched by someone and they touch me anyway, I'd let them know in so many words.. or actions that they have crossed the line.

I have to tell you, I have met quite a few good looking older men at my job and one in particular, he could tickle me anyday! LOL 😛

But under no circumstances do I see your predicament as humorous. Document! Tell someone! And do whatever you can to let that guy know that he'd better NOT ever do that again.

Live, Laugh and TICKLE
Sunriseticklee

 

[magic fingers]

Since I'm a straight male ticklee, I wouldn't want any man tickling me, but if it was only a harmless poke, I'd probably just shrug it off(unless it was someone I felt uncomfortable with). If he persists, tell him in no uncertain terms to stop it, or you'll discuss it w/his supervisor. I think a warning is only fair. BTW I used to work w/an older guy who was married(in fact, his wife also worked for the same company) and he was always tickling the ladies in the office. It seemed like all the women in this company were extremely ticklish 🙂 and since this guy was a grandfatherly harmless type of guy, and already had a friendly work relationship w/them, the ladies all seemed to enjoy it, and probably thought of the tickling as cute, rather than sexual(in fact one of the young ladies would tickle him back). Doc, did the man in your office have a good working relationship w/you prior to the tickling, or did you already have issues w/him?

 

[4Pawz]

I am on board with shem as well. It doesn't matter who does it, if it is unwanted, U don't have to put up with that. As another said, keep track of this event, the date and approximate time. Be sure you make it clear this is unwanted, ie calmly and respectfully let him know not to do it again. After that, if he does it again, talk to your supervisor, as another said that is considered sexual harrassment. I would say the key is not to "freak out" over the situation, but don't downplay it either. Hope all is taken care of.

Pawz