There's a girl I work with (not in the same department, but still see frequently) that I've gotten to know over the past few months. She likes to sell herself as someone you can talk with her about anything, and she even told me she gets along with guys better and has no female friends (red flag much?). She's fairly attractive, but I've never complimented her in that way or made any kind of advance at her, as I'm generally distrustful of women in the workplace that they will misconstrue a simple compliment.

Yesterday I emailed a joke to her that seemed innocuous; I joke around with anyone I think I'm cool with, but this joke was somehow interpreted as sexist. I won't get into the details as it's an inside joke, but she basically emailed me back saying "This office needs an education on sexism..."

Honestly, I'm not sure what's going to come of this, whether it just blows over or ends up being a discussion with HR, or worse. I'm fully prepared for whatever scenario and I'm not asking for pity, as I should know better than talking with women at work about anything other than business, no matter how cool or laid back she seems. I certainly won't be making that mistake again with her because she has now damaged my trust, and I'm fully reminded that she and any other woman can make a claim against me, true or false, and end my career and basically my life, without needing any proof of the accusation.

So let this post be a reminder to you gents.

If she lives in a Western country, she doesn't care about you, no matter what she says to the contrary.

If she lives in a Western country, she has been subjugated to propaganda and is a feminist, no matter what kind of front she puts up.

If she lives in a Western country, she is only concerned with herself and is only looking after herself, and that's what we men should be doing too.