DEAR ABBY: I'm 30, married and the only female analyst in an office with 12 men. I love my job and I enjoy working here, but it is very hard to prove yourself as a woman in a male-dominated industry.
There is one other woman in my office, a recently divorced administrator I barely know. She's very open about her online dating and sex life, and I am at a loss. I feel it's extremely inappropriate for her to share detailed information with me in the workplace. I'm also afraid the guys will hear her and take me less seriously as a professional and equal.
I have tried politely changing the subject, ignoring her or avoiding her, but nothing seems to work. I don't want to embarrass her by telling her flat out to not discuss her sex life with me, but I'm not sure what else I can do. What would you suggest? -- COVERING MY EARS
DEAR COVERING: What the woman is doing can be considered sexual harassment, and in most sizable businesses -- yours appears to be one -- there are policies in place to protect employees. I suggest you tell her that hearing about her sexual escapades makes you uncomfortable and to please stop. And if she doesn't, discuss it with either human resources or your employer.