So let's start with a little context.

I used to work in this small company (about 100 employees) and the job forced me to work in teams of 4 or 5 members for most projects. Sometimes, as we have to make presentations for clients, we dress very formally (suits and ties for most men, and women usually gets the power suit long skirts with formal shirt). One of the more common compliments we do in the office is "you look very elegant today". It's a pretty standard "one size fits all" compliment among us, and as far as men goes, we appreciate to know we look good to meet the clients.

Some women in the office, however, seem to think I was making a pass on them when I said the exact same words I said to some of male colleagues. They eventually said I was sexually harassing them to my former boss. Last week (neither of work there anymore), he told me that he sat with them to get their story and it was, according to them, "because of the way that I look at them and the way I said the compliment". He didn't even wasted my time with the subject and said later they were just desperate to get me fired. I'm so glad I've left that job.

Stay vigilant, friends