Careful with sexist behavior, almost got kicked out of CDL class

I'm so late to this one but I feel I should share as this is the comment I was looking for. This exact situation is how I became a truck driver. I got an early and bitter taste of #metoo around September, 2014 when I was a correctional officer. I, like you, was raised to compliment peoples appearance as it did boost confidence in people about their self-esteem. Where I'm from, we also used words like, sweetie, darling, dear and sweetheart just to name a few. Mind you, my spouse had warned me ahead of time. There came a time where this backfired horribly as I was called off of my lunch break into the unit major's office for a talking to. Apparently, six women accused me of making passes at them and there were talks of litigation and having a sex offender sign placed at my residence. They were trying to get my ### dead or alive. Not once was I informed that I was offending anyone with those words and only ever talked about my wife every day. For reference, these were the same women whom came to work IN A PRISON dressed like they were headed to Sex Club Seven. They even used their looks to get the inmates in trouble and screwed a few out of probation just because they could. I told them that I would file a counter suit and referenced the above among other things to which point they dropped the threats of a lawsuit. After that, I started researching trucking companies and ended up at Stevens Transport four months later and quitting that job seven months down the line.
It's been seven years since that ordeal and a long road to where I am now and I'm not about to lose my career for saying the wrong thing. Nowadays, I avoid women if I can and the conversations are short and to the point. I've pissed some off doing this and some accept it. My heart goes out to you OP, but take this as a lesson as there is no such thing as "too safe" out here anymore. I'd rather have my job and a clean work and criminal record than have to deal with litigation and not being able to get a job down the line.

 

None of that stuff has any place in the classroom, in the truck or on the dock. Leave that stuff for Friday night with your buddies while playing poker or at the bar. The socio-political climate these days will squash this behavior like a bug at any employer, school or govt facility.

Be a professional at all times, eliminate anything that could be considered controversial from your dialogue.

I talk sports, cars and my time out in nature (hiking, climbing, camping, fishing) only at work. Never anything about my personal life, guns, politics, religion, LGBTQ++(insert the rest of the alphabet) or any social justice garbage. Those topics and discussions are a CANCER to your purpose in a classroom, training environment or a work place.

 

@Voodoo Pyg
I wholehearted agree. I work retail and make it a point to be sure NOT to get too close or personal with any of the female staff members or customers. If I see some unwanted "body language" or innuendos coming my way, I'll either excuse myself or change the conversation altogether. I too am trying to remain employed, along with trying to avoid any & all complaints & charges.

God bless every American and their families! God bless the U.S.A.!