On second thought, the direct approach is best.
Tell her you’re highly disturbed that she thinks you’re a creep, you’ve been obsessing about it, and even started a Dope thread on the subject.
I’d be surprised if that doesn’t resolve the situation for good.
Do you lick your lips while talking to people? A few people told me I should stop doing that.
She may be embarrassed because she thinks she reacted badly in the parking lot and is convinced that she offended you.
Nothing says I’m sorry like a tattoo of her name on your arm.
NOW we’re getting somewhere! You did leave out a few steps, though
Whatever you do, though, DO NOT text her! That would be creepy.
It puts the lotion on it’s skin or else it gets the hose again.
You guys are cracking me up. 
Either buy a rabbit or get her one. Bonus points to also bring a stew pot.
Maybe she had a super-graphic dirty dream about you?
I was once a little embarrassed to talk to a co-worker after I had a really dirty dream about him - which is silly since it’s not like he can read my mind…or at least I sure hope he didn’t!
You say you didn’t have time initially to introduce yourself, which sounds like you don’t work in close proximity to her most of the time. Presumably if you were immediately nearby, you’d have at least had time for a quick “Hi and welcome to the team” (or whatever) as you passed her on the way to lunch or the restroom.
So, how about the “everyone except” you? Are these people who work more in proximity to her? Because if so, it may simply be that she has gradually gotten acquainted with them and therefore feels comfortable enough to chat. Whereas in your case you approached her in the parking lot, which again, though you don’t say so makes it seem like for whatever reason you do not have daily or ongoing proximity to her at work.
Now, if this is wrong, if you DO work in fairly close proximity (I mean in your building) yet you never found even a minute or two to introduce yourself and welcome her, but rather chose to approach her in the parking lot instead, well, I will say that if I put myself in her shoes it does seem a little odd. I don’t know about “creepy” but if I were her I definitely would wonder “How come he never said anything to me in the office?” if you’re someone I regularly see while doing my daily work. I would probably think you deliberately wanted to approach me where other co-workers wouldn’t see which, again, odd.
I don’t think you should mention it at all to other co-workers, including the one you see chatting with her. If you regularly encounter her in the course of a day, say in the break room or hallway, just be pleasant and say Hi and go on about your business. Stop trying to interpret her behavior, as you are surely projecting some of your own anxiety. Anyway, does it really matter, especially if you’re not creepy? Worrying too much about how others perceive you is a recipe for neurosis. Or maybe a sign of neurosis that’s already there?! :eek:
Lastly, about your speculation that maybe she felt vulnerable because you approached her in the parking lot. What kind of parking lot was it, and did you, like, follow her to her car or otherwise have to go away from your OWN car in order to speak to her? If so then yes I’d feel like you were “invading my personal space” in a way that’d be uncomfortable if I didn’t already know you, especially if the lot was a covered one or remote from pedestrians, say, or otherwise out of open view. More detail about what “approached her in the parking lot” means would have been helpful in terms of whether you’ve done something to justify being considered “creepy.”
I would leave work early and wait for her by her car preferably ducked down behind the car while she is approaching so as not to startle her and then as she opens up the door pop up and say hi and try to explain that I’m not a rapist or cannibal despite what other people may think and that even though I do my own embalming of road kill as a hobby I haven’t technically murdered anyone.
That should settle any nerves she might have about you.
Some great (and funny) answers so far.
My own response would be to ignore her totally. You are unlikely to change her opinion by any direct interaction. If you must interact, then make sure others are present and keep it completely work oriented and professional. No personal questions of any kind for any reason whatsoever.
In other words, you make her doubt her own first impression by making it obvious that you have no interest in her whatsoever. It’s hard for her to sustain the “creep guy” label in her own mind if you’re acting completely neutral. Remember, you cannot change her mind, only she can do that, and only based on the evidence you give her. /shrug
Alternatively, just hide in her backseat and when she gets in, pop up and let her know you kept her car safe for her. Then hop out and be on your way. Ladies totally appreciate that!
Regards,
-Bouncer-
Don’t act too aloof though, or she’ll be all over you.
Don’t be shy. Let her meet the man behind the hockey mask.
ROFLMA now. Best and funniest thread this week.
I agree. Say a quick hi in the hall or break room. Then focus your conversation on your friends. If she wants to join in. Great. If not, then ignore her. I wouldn’t avoid the break room. I’m going in, if my friends are in there or theres someone I need to talk to about a project we’re working on. Weirded out girl can hang out or leave. Makes no difference to me. I would avoid being alone with her.
This should work well. Eventually she’ll realize you’re just another coworker.
I frequently feel the same way. eye contact with people I don’t know makes me incredibly uncomfortable, so if I’m looking around and briefly make eye contact with someone I reflexively look away immediately. After which I can’t shake the thought of “oh great, now they think I’ve been staring at them.”
I’ve tried to counter it with the adage “nobody’s thinking about you as much as you think they are,” but it doesn’t always help.
About Shakes? :dubious:
Go to a local Quest diagnostic lab. Get blood and tissue typed as well as STD tested. Leave results in an envelope under her windshield wiper. Shower.
Sneak over to her work space when she’s not there, and leave a used (full) condom on her chair. Wait for her to respond in kind. Removes all ambiguity and doubt.
Perhaps combine this with the Quest diagnostic results.
If all of the above fail, either start dating her mother or take the preemptive approach and file anon harassment complaints against her.