[newtem0]

Is asking a woman if you can buy her coffee sometime sexual harrasment if you do it at the workplace?

[saghm]

If you're their superior, then yes, definitely.

[bobbytherobot]

It could be, it could not be. Context is important.

[genieyclo]

Yes.

[macspoofing]

No. That's not right. Don't be stupid.

People meet romantic partners and spouses at work all the time - are they all sexual harassers?

The true answer is: "It depends".

[genieyclo]

Don't shit where you eat is a sensible, safe rule to live by; ymmv.

[cultofmetatron]

I live by this rule. But I also don't really have many opportunities to meet women outside of work either.

At this point I just accepted that I'm gonna be lonely for the time being and am biding my time to save up money and leave the Bay. A human connection and romance just isn't worth the social cost these days.

"Don't shit where you eat" is a good rule of thumb once you realize that its not a game you can win.

[macspoofing]

I wonder about people like you. Do you live in the real world, and interact with real people? Do you have real friends? Because it doesn't sound like it.

Not dating your coworkers is a sensible rule that some people follow and some companies may have policies around ... but a rule you have no hope in expecting to be universally adhered to. Case in point: The sheer number of (happy and unhappy) couples who met at work.

[genieyclo]

I've worked with plenty of workplace couples, I'm not casting aspersions on them. It can and does work out great for many. I just personally believe in separating work and life. Sorry for the un-nuanced answer.

[macspoofing]

Yeah, some nuance is lost when you label everyone who asks a co-worker out on a date a 'sexual harasser'.