How close is too close?

It appears in this day and age one can be accused of sexual harassment over something as trivial as a joke in the workplace.

Which begs the question, how do you keep a professional distance from your colleagues? Are the rules different for in the workplace and at social gatherings?
Regards,

Confused

I can answer this question in a pretty small nutshell:

No, the rules aren’t different for in the workplace or at a social gathering, it is all still “business” so act “businessy.”

Outside of a handshake there is no need to touch your business associate, ever, because even if one of the people in the meeting, event, function or restaurant table is a very close friend, touching, stoking, hugging or anything else too familiar could make the other meeting attendees uncomfortable.

It’s not appropriate to touch so, just like primary school, keep your hands to yourself.

Enjoy your new confidence and the game of etiquette.

Kind Regards,

Ms. Manners