I had a classmate in 7th grade that kept doing this. He thought he was being funny. I flat-out told him to stop. Multiple times. An elbow to the gut didn't stop it, nor did a knee to the nuts. But being pulled into the principal's office for a talk with the school resource officer about sexual harassment, that did the trick. Men who do this aren't going to listen to any words from any woman, because they already don't have any respect for us. The only thing that works (and only some of the time) is to be told by an authority figure that consequences can happen to them, too. Report him and get pepper spray.

From my experience, if you don't put him in his place or have someone else put him in his place it will continue and probably escalate to other things. Stand up for yourself! Unfortunately, you're going to have to defend yourself a lot more throughout life so take this opportunity to start practicing on how to do it.

Doesn’t matter if he’s an “older” person or not. Unless you have been living under a rock, even the “older” generation know it’s not okay to touch anybody without permission

Report the creep. He knows full well he's out of line with his behavior, and he's testing the waters to see how deep they are. Keep a paper trail, noting all times, dates, and comments. But don't be surprised if HR doesn't do anything about this; long-time employees tend to get a little more slack cut. Just keep escalating it until someone listens and acts.

He invaded her personal space, it doesn't matter why. I've had a few guys who did similar, with no ill-intent. But they didn't do it again after I confronted them (usually with an immediate "that's not okay, you don't get to do that to me"). Most of the guys that I've had this conversation with have backed off, and apologized and we were friends or at least friendly after. I think sometimes guys don't recognize that women have personal space too, just cause you don't mean to be hurtful doesn't mean that it isn't. We shouldn't have to say anything to keep guys out of our bubble, but that's the world we live in. A definitive "that's not okay" is always an appropriate response to unwanted touch. No matter where that touch is.

One of my old coworkers was a guy who was old enough to be my grandfather. He had this weird habit of coming up behind me to rub my shoulders. Shudder.

Hah, as soon as I saw "told HR about it", I knew what was coming. WFM HR is a joke, their main purpose is to do everything they can to pacify the grunts so they don't unionize. If that guy was friendly with anyone in store leadership, it'll take an active police investigation to get him fired.

Former corporate executive hr here. Report it. This person clearly possesses no personal restraint. This is a clear violation of policy. I can guarantee that. Here's where things get interesting and everyone listen up because in any situation like this it's important to use buzzwords when doing so. If hr knows how threatened and scared you were they will take things more seriously. Always use buzzwords to convey how you feel. Explain your shock and horror as to what the person did and how it negatively affected you. Once a superior grabbed my neck a bit of a rough manner, but in a "playing" way, I had to ask myself how she may have reacted had I done that to her. She would've reported me. So I called a meeting with the HR VP and told her about how I was a childhood trauma survivor and her grabbing me made me feel scared, terrified and confused. This goes for any issue with someone you may be having with anyone at work. Sorry if these seems rambling but I'm in line for a coffee.

This would be creepy enough with an adult co-worker, but where she's a minor? NAIL HIS A5S!

Yup. “Hi, coworker? I’ve been thinking about the tickling incident on x date and ask that you would never touch me like that again. I don’t appreciate anyone touching me without my consent. I know you probably meant well, but please don’t assume someone is okay with touching at all just because you are friendly with him or her.” Document and respond to his response accordingly. Also, giving HR a heads-up is all that needs to be done at about the same time so she’s covered both ways.

Anyone else really distracted by the photo that’s unrelated to the story? With only the child’s feet poking out of a BOX-

Just tell him "KNOCK OT OFF I DONT LIKE THAT!" If that doesn't work then report him.

I would tell him ONCE that you are not comfortable with it. Anything more, and it's time to get management involved.

Good for you for going to hr. You also need to work on your fear of confrontation. Make a scene, make a big glorious scene. You won’t regret it.

Male or female you have the right to not be touched. That is highly inappropriate. As someone who spent decades in management, that would be a conversation with him and a recommendation that he keeps his hands to himself if he wants to continue employment. I would definitely put it in his file as well. My granddaughter is two and if she doesn't want to give a hug or be tickled, we respect that and don do it. I would keep a personal record as well in case hr fails to do its job.

I’ve never laid hands on anyone (thankfully no cause to do so), but if some weirdo tried that c**p with me, I’d probably deck them for it! No one has the right to touch you in a manner that makes you uncomfortable, so I’d definitely report them. Goodness knows how many he’s tried that with & HR is enabling him if they choose to keep dismissing the issue as “harmless” (meanwhile, he is probably laughing about it). Bet the issue wouldn’t be so funny if THEY were victim to his “tickling”! 🤔

In my very unfortunate experience of 17 years of working as one of the few females in a male dominated industry I have learned this: HR is there to protect the company and they will gaslight you. I've been told, well did you tell him it made you uncomfortable? And I would be shocked like it's somehow my responsibility to tell a grown a*s man, twice my age, and who is in upper management, how to act... As much as I hate to say it, the most effective way to deal with harassment is to directly call out the harassment to their face. Typically they are extremely shocked by your forwardness since they have been getting away with being inappropriate and in their twisted minds, they thought you wanted their attention. They may get angry, or gaslight you as well - but the shock and embarrassment of being called out usually stops it.

Say it with me. You. Are. A. MINOR. You are a literal minor and NOBODY should EVER touch you... EVER. Should have been reported immediately. (F**k off, just saw how old this is. Hope she ended up doing something.)