We Got U:

Avoiding sexist jokes, sexual innuendos, “compliments” and other not funny things.

Some behaviors aren’t overt enough to report to HR but are irritating, demoralizing, and generally a pain in the ass to deal with. The joke that has the creepy undertone. The compliment that feels a little gross. The running commentary that makes women feel like they’re at a casting call, not a meeting. This is office ick: not-quite-enough to call in HR but corrosive AF: “You’d be dangerous if you smiled more.” “Let’s hear from the pretty one.” “Whoa, that dress says promotion.” “I meant it as a compliment.” “I was just out getting my newspaper naked.” Nothing like a bad visual with your morning java.

Use a non-verbal response to say “no”.  A well-timed pause, a neutral stare, an arched eyebrow coupled with a grimace, an exaggerated cringe, a shaking of your head coupled with a slow sip of coffee – any of these can be used to send a message: I clocked that. I’m not engaging. Silence shifts the power dynamic and makes the speaker uncomfortable.  We often laugh or say ‘thank you’ even when we’re not amused or flattered. But that reflex response is part of how the behavior survives. Learn to let the awkwardness hang.