A
supervisor was overheard making fun of her? Why didn't the friend who ran to tell her report any of this to HR and also tell the writer she's the one who could get in trouble? That's one shitty 'friend'.
Dear Prudence,
A few months ago at work a young, handsome intern started talking to me.
He was flirtatious and would act thrilled to see me. He would do this
when other people were around, even other supervisors. I admit that I
was flattered, but I’m a divorced woman 20 years his senior and in a
relationship, so I didn't take it seriously. All I did to respond to him
was smile and exchange small talk. I recently found out that he isn't
flirting, he is making a joke of me. I was told by a friend that he was
talking about me at an event in front of other employees, including a
supervisor, and they were all having a laugh at my expense. This also
explains the times when I would walk into the cafeteria and this intern
and some co-workers would start smirking at me and cracking up. I am a
bit overweight and not all that attractive, so perhaps this makes me a
good target. He’s continuing his overtures and I simply respond “Hello”
with a flat smile and go on my way. My friend told me to beware because
she was afraid that this young man might get me into trouble. I am
concerned that he could file a complaint against me and I don't know
what to do. How should I handle this situation?