A couple of weeks ago, myself and other managers flew to the big city for an awards ceremony. We won a significant award so our GM got up and gave a speech. The only person he thanked in his speech was me, but he called me his "girl", as he couldn't remember my name on the stage.

After the speech we all teased him about this and how he couldn't think of my name (we share an office and he spends most of his working day with me). In amidst my teasing him, he walks over from his seat at the opposite side of the table, and stands behind me. I turn around and he kisses me on the lips.

My partner was sitting next to me and he awkwardly laughed and was like "aee steady on there". After my boss stopped kissing me I commented that I needed a vodka and laughed. Everyone then acted like nothing had happened. My bosses wife was also watching and didn't seem concerned at all. Other managers and their partners were also watching and seemed a bit shocked then acted like it didn't happen. His wife even gave me a hug later on in the evening.

I'm just confused about the intent of the kiss - I'm interpreting it as an apologetic joking kiss, but in the back of my mind I'm wondering what was going through his mind??? It's been two weeks now and neither of us have bought it up. Wondering if its something more but am probably just overthinking it. Bf and I are both assuming he just views me as a daughter. We were all drinking but he was fine at that point (perhaps slightly tipsy but not badly).

Reading this, what do you guys think?? What's his intent? Am I overthinking this?

Idk sounds inappropriate to me. Workplace sexual harassment. Being tipsy is no excuse tbh, I would make a complaint to head office.

Um...what? That's super inappropriate and it's hard to believe that no one really reacted on it? I mean I can understand how everyone probably felt rather uncomfortable and tried to act like nothing happened, especially since it was your boss, but who does that? I can't understand how his wife was okay with it.

I think I'd complain too. Idk if it would get anywhere, but you do have a ton of witnesses.

That's really messed up! You should definitely talk to corporate about it! It can be considered sexual harassment. Why tf nobody else seemed to care idk but I guess that's pretty common and disappointing. :/

That is insanely inappropriate, joking/alcohol/etc. or no. Like, especially with his wife and your partner present, just like... way too much. I would be so uncomfortable haha!

I guess it's up to you how you'd want to proceed. If any more shenanigans happen I would definitely mention something to someone above him/HR.

Thank you for your responses. Yes, I agree it was inappropriate. However my options are limited - he is effectively like the CEO of our company and we work really closely together. There really isn't anyone higher than him that I could complain to - he's literally top of the company. We are a franchise holder which is why we were at a national awards ceremony, but they have no bearing on our business and employment issues. He pays me a lot more than I'd get elsewhere and I've just purchased my first home so I have a mortgage I need to pay.

Vent My tolerance and respect for him is growing thin though now that this has happened. Yesterday he was really blunt to me so I snapped back at him (nobody ever questions him.. he literally rules the roost, so for me to snap at him is a big deal). He actually apologised for being in a bad mood and I was fuming so much that I said I just wouldn't talk to him then (lol). He then felt really bad and tried to be nice all day.

I'm having trouble being professional as I feel like he is far from it. I can live with the kiss as long as nothing else happens. My only options are to stick it out, or file for harassment, or find another job. But I don't want to risk cutting ties in a bad way as professionally he has given me more opportunities than anywhere else and more money. I'm soo frustrated and feel stuck.

He has just to respect you don't want to be kissed.

I have never understand why people kiss somebody else even if this person doesn't want. If he wants to be liked, then the last thing to do is things against the will of an other. Is this so difficult to understand?

I haven't snapped to a boss I have worked years ago, but I have told him honesty I don't understand men. They are like alien creatures. He hasn't done anymore ^_^

I mean, I get the whole "kiss in celebration" but at the same time, that's almost undeniably harrassment and he really needs to check himself before he wrecks himself.

If you are writing a board about this and asking if you feel you are overreacting... you know it is NOT normal. Report it, please. It was extremely inappropriate and he overstepped his boundaries, and all these excuses for him.. "tipsy" ... "wife was there" ... "she hugged me later".... ! NOT OKAY IN ANY CIRCUMSTANCE!

I find it disrespectful that he would invade your space maybe let him know that you found it weird that he would do that and that you felt uncomfortable because you feel like thats invading your personal space and you don't know if he kisses people like that because its something he is used to but you don't kiss people and that you would like it if he doesn't do that again and that you can move passed it but not let it happen again. I mean he shouldn't of caught you off guard like that if it was a accident like he missed and kissed you there but was trying to kiss you on the cheek or something well seriously he should apologize i mean unless him and his wife are use to that type of thing, I don't even kiss my parents or relatives on the cheeks or lips I know of people who kiss people on the cheeks who are in like France or something lol.