So I’m currently doing retail part-time in an area that’s 95% female. There’s this chick, let’s call her Kim, I grew to be cool with (as an associate). We sorta had a love/hate relationship where we’d verbally bump heads sometimes (I know, I fucked up here), but shit would be cool afterwards. Well, last week she and I got into it again; but this time another chick, let’s call her Tish, (who’s older than both of us) came to my defense and escalated the situation even more. To a few ppl, Tish is known as a snitch and a liar; she once accused another male coworker for harassment when she led him on in/outside of work (he’s still employed). This led to Kim telling the boss about the situation, accusing me of “harassment”. I was told by another coworker that cool with Kim that she did it outta protection from Tish telling the boss about the situation; she would’ve let it go if Tish didn’t escalate it. Also, Kim felt that I should’ve been more of a man and stood up for her, not letting Tish fight my battle (I know, I fucked up here too). At first, I didn’t look at it as such b/c I thought Kim was trying to embarrass me in front of other coworkers and customers.

I was told by the boss that the situation won’t go to HR, but to eliminate communication with Kim. I was also told by the other coworker that Kim doesn’t want shit to do with me anymore. I’m cool with that, but here’s the main problem: almost EVERYONE knows about the incident (again, 95% female). I’ve heard numerous times that I was wrong for letting the situation escalate (I admit, I was wrong). Before this incident, I was cool with everyone. Now, it feels like the vibes are different, especially after being accused of harassment. Also, I’m now tied to the hip of that snitch Tish and that’s also rubbing ppl the wrong way.

I know, as a man, I fucked up big time letting myself get too comfortable in the workplace and getting myself into this bullshit. Shit is eating me up that I even allowed this to happen. I need advice and/or tough love from the bros going forward with this situation. Again, it’s cool if Kim and I never speak again (for the sake of my job); but, I constantly have to work with these ppl and shit feels awkward and tense.