Is sitting at the same table with a woman considered invading her space?

Question

Is sitting at the same table as a woman but not next to her considered invading her space or harassemet? The reason I ask is because if you pay attention to the news everything lately has seemed to be considered sexual harassment, rape or invading women’s space if you’re a man. Even saying a simple Hello Good...

Answer 1

Harassment: "the act of systematic and/or continued unwanted and annoying actions of one party or a group"

So, there is no clear cut answer to your question. one woman may welcome your company in which case it's not harassment. Another woman for find having people sit at the same table as her to be annoying, thus constituting harassment. the problem I have with harassment policy is that in contrast to most policy, it's not defined by what you do, but rather by how another persons feels about what you do. I think that's very problematic. I might sit at her table and it's not harassing, and you might sit at the table behaving the same exact what and it is harassing all because of how she feels about it.

It's getting even worse than that. Choosing to sit at another table and leave her alone can also be an unwanted or annoying action from her perspective and also be considered harassment. While you can make some educated guesses that may reduce your chances of being accused of harassment, the reality is that harassment policy is worded such that no matter what you do, (or don't do) you can be accused of harassment.

Answer 2

It's borderline rape.

Answer 3

< Even saying a simple Hello Good morning is frowned upon. >

No it's not except maybe in your mind.

Answer 4

No. If you cannot distinguish between sitting near another person, and the very different act of invading someone's personal space - you need to talk to a counselor. Stop spamming yahoo with this garbage. No one learns anything from your lies.

Answer 5

As the description of "sexual harassment" expands, I am increasing my "objectionable" behavior. At one time I didn't bother being particularly polite or courteous to women. I am consciously, going out of my way to offer all of them, polite greetings. I will NOW sit next to a woman, and politely greet her as I do so. Even if there are other, preferred, and better seats available! I hope that my civility, aggravates, and embarrasses All of them!

Answer 6

Seems unlikely. According to the link from another user, the annoying actions must be systematic or continued unwanted actions. If your presence was unwanted she could tell you. If she didn't say then you could assume all was good. Apart from weird Yotube videos I doubt a harassment case of such silly minor proportions has ever been filed.

Answer 7

It depends. If she is sitting by herself at, say, Starbucks, and she’s wearing headphones and/or is reading a book or using a computer; and you come up to the table and sit down and try to make conversation with her and she says, “I actually want to be left alone right now so I can study/read/work,” and you continue to socialize with her anyway or tell her not to be so anti-social and to loosen up; then, yes, that is definitely invading her space.

However, if you say, “No problem, I’m just sitting here because it’s the only seat available,” and you then mind your own business and let her do hers, then it’s not invading her space.

If she’s someone you know and you are going to have lunch or dinner together, then of course it’s not invading her space.

Answer 8

It depends on the situation. If at a more formal event or in a bar/restaurant, then you should ask anyone, male or female if you may join them. Especially if you are interested in them romantically or even to kindle a friendship. In a class or meeting, not so much.

Answer 9

being born male he is automatically presumed guilty

Answer 10

I mean yeah depending on how much of a sensitive biatch she is