Originally Posted by roseylovestosho (Post 3467999)

Thank you Nancy. I wasn't planning on going down the sexual harassment path--it's definitely not something that I'm willing to put myself through. I only have one older brother and never really went through much teasing in that respect, but growing up I did always end up being "one of the boys" as I always got along better with boys than with girls. Somewhere along the lines that changed however, and I think I may have just become more sensitive than I once was due to my own insecurities. I think I have stepped on their egos as you've said because one time when one of them tried embarrassing me in public I embarrassed him right back...and I'm pretty sure after that was when I stopped being invited to group study sessions/social activities. After that, I stopped being sarcastic right back and really nothing has changed except that the comments have gotten pretty harsh and I'm still isolated. As I mentioned a little earlier, this is only in a group setting when all 4 of them are together. Whenever I talk to any of them one on one they are extremely nice to me, even complimentary...which is why I am extremely confused by the situation. I know I have to grow a thicker skin, but I guess I just feel lonely not only having to do schoolwork all the time, but then not even really having any friends here that I can talk to...either way what I'm trying to say is that yes at first I thought it was just them making me out to be one of the guys, but when I started being excluded from group work is when I thought that the way they were treating me was a result of something else...

Originally Posted by Mardelin (Post 3468174)

First understand that men's egos are so inflated. So, your comment really hit hard.

Let me offer a bit of advice. I worked in a man's world and managed men in a man's world. It's very difficult to be taken seriously for your intelligence. I know we shouldn't have to play the game, but we are women and that's the way it is. I worked hard at playing down my feminine side. In the way I dressed, spoke and conducted myself. I'm not saying I took on a masculine roll just very professional.

However, remember you can use your femininty to manipulate men in the work place.....they're so stupid they fall for it everytime and you can make them do stuff for you by knowing how use it. Hone that skill....it's very subtle but, it works.

Originally Posted by Nancy1999 (Post 3468179)

Always a great mentor! :D

Originally Posted by Mardelin (Post 3468174)

First understand that men's egos are so inflated. So, your comment really hit hard.

Let me offer a bit of advice. I worked in a man's world and managed men in a man's world. It's very difficult to be taken seriously for your intelligence. I know we shouldn't have to play the game, but we are women and that's the way it is. I worked hard at playing down my feminine side. In the way I dressed, spoke and conducted myself. I'm not saying I took on a masculine roll just very professional.

However, remember you can use your femininty to manipulate men in the work place.....they're so stupid they fall for it everytime and you can make them do stuff for you by knowing how use it. Hone that skill....it's very subtle but, it works.

Originally Posted by Woogie Man (Post 3468245)

Mary...do you think that about ALL guys? :D

To the OP, coming from a man's perspective, it sounds like they're just being juvenile. I'm sure if they invited you along with them, you would see just how little you're missing.

Try to seek out friends, male or female, that you're on the same plane with. They're out there...sometimes you just have to look. I've always had lots of female friends, but some guys can't be friends. They're locked into some skewed mentality that hopefully they'll outgrow.

BTW...I'm unanimous with everyone else in saying that you're GORGEOUS! Trust me, their attitude has nothing to do with the way you look.

Originally Posted by Mardelin (Post 3468266)

Now come on Jim you live in the South and are fully aware that those Southern Women can wrap a guy around their finger with very minimal effort.

And let's face it some men do have some over inflated egos, especially young ones that don't feel comfortable in their own skin yet.

That being said, there are very few men like you and of course my husband....those men that don't find it unmasculine to care for those soft cuddly things, whelp a litter, sit up nights nursing a pup.....that's a special kind of a man.

Originally Posted by Mardelin (Post 3468266)

Now come on Jim you live in the South and are fully aware that those Southern Women can wrap a guy around their finger with very minimal effort.

And let's face it some men do have some over inflated egos, especially young ones that don't feel comfortable in their own skin yet.

That being said, there are very few men like you and of course my husband....those men that don't find it unmasculine to care for those soft cuddly things, whelp a litter, sit up nights nursing a pup.....that's a special kind of a man.

Originally Posted by Nancy1999 (Post 3468272)

You still got it Mary!

Originally Posted by Woogie Man (Post 3468293)

Nancy...Mary was NOT doing that!...at least not now...I don't think...errr :p Though no doubt she probably could (and has) on other occasions. I will be honest and say I've felt her 'steering currents' from time to time. :)

Originally Posted by Nancy1999 (Post 3468298)

Well, the trick is, when a female is really doing it well, a male doesn't know it. ;)

Originally Posted by roseylovestosho (Post 3467900)

I'm in a phD program where I am the only female in my entire class. To make a long story short we were having a meeting with the director of our program because recruitment week is coming up and she wanted ideas on how to improve the presentation of our program as to attract the new recruits to come to our school. In the middle of the meeting the director turned to me in front of everyone and said "Well, Rose you are the only woman in your class..." and I didn't even get to finish hearing what she said because the guy sitting next to me said "I don't know about you guys but I don't consider Rose a woman," and all of his friends laughed. I had to stop myself from crying. This is not the first time either, they're always making REALLY mean comments about me TO MY FACE. I've tried ignoring them, defending myself etc and nothing changes. I'm getting teary-eyed just thinking about it...I'm beyond sad...:( They've made fun of the way I talk, what I wear...my personality...the list goes on. The link below is a picture of me since I don't have any pictures of me on here and I think sometimes its easier to identify with people when you can actually see them...imo

http://i53.tinypic.com/29wn98z.png

What can I do?!

Originally Posted by boopster (Post 3467950)

I would have said "That's OK - because I don't consider you a man!" But then I have an unfortunate tendency to blurt out things like that when under pressure.

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