Although the law doesn’t prohibit simple teasing, offhand comments, or isolated incidents that are not very serious, harassment is illegal when it is so frequent or severe that it creates a hostile or offensive work environment or when it results in an adverse employment decision (such as the victim being fired or demoted).
But if I tell them they’re beautiful and it turns out they think I’m gross I could go to prison for harassment! Am I really just supposed to roll the dice like that?
No, it is.
https://www.eeoc.gov/sexual-harassment
Simply asking someone for their number is not harassment.
Repeatedly asking for someone’s number after being told no is.
There isn’t any nuance to this situation.
Telling someone they’re beautiful when they think you’re gross is creepy/harassment.
It’s okay to talk to women if you’re a male model but stay the fuck away if you aren’t. Got it.
Or a female model. I’m certainly not here to discourage lesbians!
“when they think you’re gross”
How can I know if someone thinks I’m gross if I haven’t spoken to them yet? I should just assume I’m gross, always?
That’s the fun part, you can’t. Don’t assume they think you’re gross, but do remember that you don’t know what they think.
But if I tell them they’re beautiful and it turns out they think I’m gross I could go to prison for harassment! Am I really just supposed to roll the dice like that?
Harassment isn’t a crime, so you’re probably safe from prison.
Quiet, incel.