Is it fair or unfair that I didn't get fired?

I had an incident with a work relationship that went sour. We were both at fault for it ending. I have a hard time letting go and a hard time dealing with people "hating" me. We dated for a few years and were always a bit flirty/frisky & friendly at work.

After things went sour, they started to calm down a bit and I wanted to test the waters. I walked into the department and as I walked by the back of my hand brushed her behind with about 2-3 knuckles. I received no reaction.

I later asked a co-worked if they had heard anything about noticing my hand had brushed that area. They replied "nope, guess you two aren't upset anymore"

He then went to this person and said "Hey looks like you guys are cool again, considering he grabbed your butt and all"

her reply was "he did what?" stormed to HR and filed for sexual harassment.

I plead that it was 85% accident. I was guilty of sexual harassment, but I did not get fired.

What are your thoughts?

2012-12-05T13:10:18Z

I ended up having to go to therapy as my punishment. The girl was so upset that I didn't get canned that she quit. A good amount of people at my job hate my guts. The funny thing is, is that her mom works there as well and she has no problem with me what so ever. I was close with the family and I think they understand how she is and that I am no threat.

Anonymous2012-12-05T13:26:29Z

Favorite Answer

I think it's completely fair! I don't see how someone can file for sexual harassment for something they didn't even notice or acknowledge? It sounds ridiculous to me..

Pearls Before Swine2012-12-05T21:06:14Z

You *did* do something stupid that qualifies as sexual harassment. As long as the facts were known, then any decision that HR made was fair. It would have been fair to fire you, but it's also fair to keep you (assuming you've been warned not to do it again).

Anonymous2012-12-05T21:04:44Z

Fair considering you usually get a warning You're one lucky guy!

lali2012-12-05T21:07:20Z

I just think its all stupid