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Coworker’s Nickname For Woman Gets Him Sent To HR, He Doesn’t See The Problem: “I Wanted To Compliment Her”
Woman looking weirded out in an office setting while coworker in blue jacket talks and holds a tablet.

Coworker’s Nickname For Woman Gets Him Sent To HR, He Doesn’t See The Problem: “I Wanted To Compliment Her”

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When you work a regular 9–5, you expect the usual office drama—small disagreements, awkward meetings, maybe the occasional passive-aggressive email. But sometimes, things cross a line in ways you never see coming.

That’s exactly what happened to one woman who shared her story online after a new coworker repeatedly started calling her “mom” at work. At first, it seemed harmless, even awkwardly humorous, but it quickly became uncomfortable. When she finally escalated the issue to HR, the situation took a serious turn, ending with the coworker being fired. Keep reading to find out how it all unfolded.

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    It’s quite common for coworkers to help new hires feel settled in and welcomed at a new workplace

    Image credits: Getty Images (not the actual photo)

    But for one woman, things took an uncomfortable turn when her coworker repeatedly referred to her as “mom,” despite being asked to stop

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    Image credits: Pablo Merchán Montes (not the actual photo)

    Image source: Alison Green

    Image credits: Getty Images (not the actual photo)

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    Image credits: Getty Images (not the actual photo)

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    Image source: Alison Green

    Many people were taken aback by the coworker’s behavior and felt it crossed professional boundaries

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    Others chimed in by sharing similar workplace experiences they had gone through themselves

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    Nikita Manot

    Nikita Manot

    Writer, BoredPanda staff

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    Nikita's knack for storytelling and creativity has led her into the world of writing. With a robust foundation in business studies, she crafts compelling narratives by seamlessly blending analytical insight with imaginative expression. At Bored Panda, she embarks on an exhilarating quest to explore diverse topics, fueled by curiosity and passion. During her leisure time, she savors life's simple pleasures, such as gardening, cooking homemade meals and hosting gatherings for loved ones.

    Read less »
    Nikita Manot

    Nikita Manot

    Writer, BoredPanda staff

    Nikita's knack for storytelling and creativity has led her into the world of writing. With a robust foundation in business studies, she crafts compelling narratives by seamlessly blending analytical insight with imaginative expression. At Bored Panda, she embarks on an exhilarating quest to explore diverse topics, fueled by curiosity and passion. During her leisure time, she savors life's simple pleasures, such as gardening, cooking homemade meals and hosting gatherings for loved ones.

    What do you think ?
    FreeTheUnicorn
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is gross. It's not any different to those people who think s****l harassment is just someone taking a compliment wrong He claims he respects her but won't take her feedback, so it's obvious this isn't a term of respect. Of course it's inappropriate to say that kind of thing in front of clients, but it's inappropriate if unwanted in private contexts. He was asked to stop, he didn't, just because he thinks it's a compliment doesn't mean it's not harassment. Just like some people won't mind if you address them as gorgeous or honey etc, if you're asked to stop, you have to stop.

    Trillian
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My dude, if I didn't squeeze you out of my v****a naked and squalling, you don't get to call me mom.

    WubiDubi
    Community Member
    2 months ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Some (American) people call their Mother in Laws mum, and likely their Dad's Sir...their shrinks will deal with any problems it causes.

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    KrazyChiMama
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ooohhhh I called my middle aged Indian Boss “Dad” instead of “Doc” once…during a stress test…in front of a patient …I turned the color of a tomato, he giggled…later he came back to my lab when I was in between patients to tell me he would be honored to have me as a daughter! Great man…I do miss him <3 (he’s retired loving the good life)

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    FreeTheUnicorn
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is gross. It's not any different to those people who think s****l harassment is just someone taking a compliment wrong He claims he respects her but won't take her feedback, so it's obvious this isn't a term of respect. Of course it's inappropriate to say that kind of thing in front of clients, but it's inappropriate if unwanted in private contexts. He was asked to stop, he didn't, just because he thinks it's a compliment doesn't mean it's not harassment. Just like some people won't mind if you address them as gorgeous or honey etc, if you're asked to stop, you have to stop.

    Trillian
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My dude, if I didn't squeeze you out of my v****a naked and squalling, you don't get to call me mom.

    WubiDubi
    Community Member
    2 months ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Some (American) people call their Mother in Laws mum, and likely their Dad's Sir...their shrinks will deal with any problems it causes.

    Load More Replies...
    KrazyChiMama
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ooohhhh I called my middle aged Indian Boss “Dad” instead of “Doc” once…during a stress test…in front of a patient …I turned the color of a tomato, he giggled…later he came back to my lab when I was in between patients to tell me he would be honored to have me as a daughter! Great man…I do miss him <3 (he’s retired loving the good life)

    Load More Comments
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