"I Complimented Her by Saying She Was Pretty, but Is That Sexual Harassment?" A Man Called in by the Human Resources Team Voices His Frustration

[Financial News] An office worker said he was warned by the Human Resources Team about sexual harassment after complimenting a female colleague on her appearance and clothing.
On the 18th, a post titled 'After Saying, "You Look Kind of Feminine and Pretty Today"' was published on an online community.
A said he complimented a female colleague's appearance after she came to work that day wearing makeup and a dress, despite usually paying little attention to her makeup or clothing.
A spoke to the female colleague about her appearance and clothing at the time. He said, "You look kind of feminine and pretty today," and added, "I realized that you know how to dress up, so I meant that you should dress like this normally from now on and become prettier."
A was later contacted by the Human Resources Team. According to A, the team said it had received a report concerning sexual harassment and asked him to be careful about his words and behavior. No separate disciplinary action was taken.
A voiced his frustration, saying that he considered his remarks compliments. He asked, "Is complimenting someone by saying she is pretty to make her feel good sexual harassment?" and questioned, "Does it make sense that saying someone looks feminine and pretty is sexual harassment?"
He said he had made similar comments about her appearance before. A said he had previously told the colleague, "You would look pretty if you lost just a little more weight and wore a dress" and "You have a face that suits makeup." He then added, "Even things said with good intentions are twisted around and heard differently."
Most online users responded that A's remarks were inappropriate. Comments included, "Evaluating a colleague's appearance in itself is a problem," "Even if it is meant as a compliment, the other person may feel uncomfortable," and "The expression 'you look like a woman' can easily make someone uncomfortable."

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