Some might say that when people are around each other 40 hours a week, working toward a common goal, it is only natural for those individuals to socialize and perhaps flirt every now and then. However, your ideal career can quickly become a rather trying situation if you are made to deal with the constant, and unwelcomed, advances of a co-worker. Also, with today’s technological advancements, flirting doesn’t necessarily involve only the awkward verbal come-ons we are all use to, but can include flirtatious or inappropriate emails, instant messages, text messages, and if you happened to make the mistake of “friending” them on one of the growing number of social networking sites, you may be opening the door to further unsavory correspondence. Additionally, continued flirting that is not properly dealt with, can possibly progress into sexual harassment. So, how do you handle these uncomfortable, and often quite delicate circumstances? Here are a few suggestions that will assist you in properly coping with the office Casanova.

1. Attempt to ignore them. Do not even respond or react to suggestive remarks or advances. Try to make as little contact as possible. Don’t make it point to say hello or be friendly, for this could project an unintended message.

2. Make sure to keep all verbal and nonverbal interactions strictly professional. Personal conversations will only open doors to further pestering.

3. Reject their ardent suggestions in a polite but unyielding manner. If they ask you out or try to buy you something, tell them “Thank you. But no thank you.” And be unwavering in your refusals.

4. Be aware of your body language. People tend to react to body language, so make sure you are not unconsciously sending mixed signals. And realize that to a pursuer, even innocent gestures can be misinterpreted.

5. Don’t reply to lewd or harassing emails, text messages, or any other form of electronic communication (other than to tell them to leave you alone). This goes along with ignoring them. Instead, you may want to save them in case you ever need evidence of their hounding.

6. Let them know if their behavior or comments have gone too far. Quite often, their intentions are harmless. However, sometimes their actions can cross the line, becoming vulgar or forceful. If this occurs, express your discomfort, and if that doesn’t work, report them!

• Consider keeping a journal of what is happening. Make notes of what is said and done, and include the details (date, time, etc.). Keep any cards, notes, or letters you receive as evidence of the behavior.

Recently, awareness and management of sexual harassment in the workplace has increased. However, gray areas still exist. The fact of the matter is, if it makes anyone who is involved uncomfortable, it’s unacceptable.

Federal law identifies two situations in which one can claim sexual harassment. The first is quid pro quo, which occurs when a person in authority requests sexual favors in return for continued employment or some type of benefit. The second is what is known as a hostile work environment. This occurs when a colleague or supervisor, is involved in unwanted or inappropriate sexual behaviors, thus creating a threatening or offensive work environment. Whatever the case may be, it’s important to your rights and the law, and if you must, make other people aware as well.