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The original was posted on /r/twoxchromosomes by /u/chherp on 2023-09-13 22:16:26.
I work at a pretty small company in a position where I’m sitting at a desk in front of a computer all day. I wear headphones while I work since the nature of my work allows for it. Today I am wearing a tank top that shows the large tattoo I have on my bicep. I am working with my headphones in as usual. A department head from a different department, who I’ve probably interacted with in a group setting 1-2 times came up to me and grabbed my arm. I started because I didn’t hear him coming (headphones) and because he GRABBED MY BODY. I turn to him and with my arm still in his hand he asks, “Is this new?” I am soft-spoken generally and was caught off guard so I replied that, no I had gotten it last year. He says nothing else and walks away. This guy is not someone I have a relationship with at all, but he’s well known in our office for being goofy and popular. I don’t think his intention was to be creepy, nor was it to police my tattoo (we don’t have any regulations in place about body modifications). But obviously that crossed a line, and I’m still very uncomfortable thinking about what just happened. The atmosphere of my workplace is very blue-collar, white older man, and male-dominated. I guess what I’m saying is I feel intimidated thinking about reporting this behavior because the majority of the people in my office are in his demographic, not mine. I do like my HR manager and think he is empathetic and good at his job. I guess I’m asking for validation, and maybe advice on how to address the situation/stories of similar situations people have experienced? The idea of confronting him about this is terrifying to me, but I hate being silent because I don’t want to make waves.