How to Deal With the Office Flirt

If you work away from home, you've probably been on the receiving end of an office flirt's advances. It's only naturally for coworkers who see each other fifty weeks out of the year to mingle and flirt once in awhile. But if your office has a relentless Romeo or sex symbol, here's how to deal with their consistent (and often unwanted) advances.

Instructions

1. Rebuff a flirt's advances cordially but firmly. If they ask you out, tell them politely that you have other plans. If they buy you trinkets or snacks, say "thanks, but no thanks" if it turns out to be a regular thing.

2. Let them know if flirting has crossed the line. Most office flirts mean no harm, but occasionally someone will become too pushy or suggestive. If this happens, let them know you feel uncomfortable by walking away to do other work or calling a third party to come over to your cubicle or office. Tell them that you're married, taken or not interested if they still persist.

3. Proceed with caution if you're interested. Flirtation that grows into office romance can get one or both parties fired, so keep any relationship a secret. Avoid getting too affectionate at work and keep your interactions focused on business.

4. Notice body language. People subconsciously (and sometimes consciously) respond to body language, so you may be sending out mixed signals when you tell the office flirt you're uninterested and then rub their shoulders.

5. Avoid responding to suggestive emails. Delete them or save them in a separate folder if the sender persists and starts to harass you.