if you are female and have a male boss, if this happens, what'll u do?

Philippines
October 10, 2010 3:23am CST
What would you do if you are a girl and one of your bosses is male and one day suddenly opens up to you (in his office with closed door) to say his marriage is not in good shape and starts crying before you? I was in this situation once, felt his pain and sorrow. At that time, I decided to maintain professional distance. I just listened and gave him a consoling pat, asked about their kids and how things will be when they part. Assured him that things in the office will be ok and I can support him with tasks he could not handle in case he is not emotionally well in the days to come, as he has requested. What are your thoughts about this situation of mine? thanks for your inputs and comments if any!
2 responses
roxxtime
@roxxtime (299)
• United States
10 Oct 10
I also feel for him because that is a tough situation but it seems a bit unprofessional for him to come to you in the way he did. How do you feel about it? Does this make you uncomfortable? I would be uncomfortable but then again I'm probably too nice to say anything about it and would hear him out and do what you did. But I've had that confidante experience turn into him hitting on me so be careful.
princessbadge
@princessbadge (56)
• Philippines
11 Oct 10
hi roxxtime! yeah, i felt awkward there in his office, but can' say, hey- you should not be telling me these things. I guess, I just was too scared to say those things to him. But now, I'm quite wary about it and am being careful indeed. I put docs in his office when he isn't there from then on and i started relating with him differently. thanks for your input and thoughts. I kind of felt uncertain about what i did. But i guess i did the right thing.
roxxtime
@roxxtime (299)
• United States
14 Oct 10
That sucks that he put you in such an awkward position. I hope it gets better.
p3ks626
@p3ks626 (6538)
• Philippines
12 Oct 10
I think you did fine. That has never happened to me before and if ever it will happen, I think I will be able to handle the situation well and not give some meaning to it just because he has to close the office door.
princessbadge
@princessbadge (56)
• Philippines
12 Oct 10
hi p3ks326, thanks for the input. I guess it wasn't the closing of the door that made it awkward. It was because he is my boss and I haven't been into a situation like this before, I'm used to opening up to my boss whether male or female but not the other way around. I didn't know what to do about it on the spot especially when he was asking me for advise - what he should do, etc. I guess I wasn' ready for something like it. I wasn't ready for a superior to open up the way he did. I told my husband about it and also felt it was quite unusual. nway, I did pray for him and his concern. I'm sure you'll do great if it ever happens to you. Again, thanks for your sharing, :)