DEAR AMY: I work at a local store. We all get along pretty well, except for one issue. One of the employees, "Betsy," is gay. None of us has a problem with her life choice, but she keeps coming on to certain female employees who are straight.

These women like Betsy and have made it clear they're not interested, saying "Sorry, I'm not interested; that's not my choice; let's just be friends." But Betsy doesn't seem to get the hint. She keeps making extremely inappropriate comments and propositions people.

Despite this, everyone likes her. No one wants to get her in trouble.

My attitude on the whole matter is, if this situation were reversed and a man was doing this, someone would be running to management about the comments. My opinion is that when someone tells you "no," you should respect her wishes.

How do we get Betsy to take the hint? No one involved wants her to get in trouble, but at the same time we are fed up. — Puzzled

Dear Puzzled: First off, "Betsy's" sexuality isn't a "life choice," anymore than yours is. Sexual harassment, however, is a choice, and a very poor one.

Anyone being propositioned or sexually harassed should report it. You and your co-workers have a right to work in an environment free of harassment.

I'm not sure why you are all so eager to protect Betsy from the consequences of sexually harassing people. You're enabling her to do this. Anyone

Advertisement
Betsy propositions should tell her, "That is completely inappropriate, and you need to stop." Then, certainly, if there are repeated incidents, this matter should be taken to a supervisor.

Dear Amy: A reader wrote to you about "Veg-All," which prompted you to ask readers for their "yuckiest food" stories. By the way, Veg-All is a canned mixture of corn, peas, lima beans, cubed potatoes, celery and carrots.

Your readers may be interested to know that it can be made even yuckier than it is in its nat ive state.

My mother used to drain off the "light onion broth," mix in some Miracle Whip and chill the concoction. Yum! — Still Tasting It

Dear Still: Thanks for the tale. I'll run more in future columns.

Send questions to askamy@tribune.com or Ask Amy, Chicago Tribune, TT500, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611.