The older I get the less I say "It's okay" in situations where that's the obvious social expectation.
A coworker screamed in my face at a meeting for whispering in the background. Later,
Her: I hope I didn't offend you.
Me: [Pause] Well, I was talking on a sidebar.
A college student called half an hour after a scheduled informational phone interview.
Her: I forgot I had a midterm I had to study for.
Me: [Pause] I'm still free, we can still talk.
Because it's not okay.
I was standing in a circle with four men at work who are at least ten years older than me, including two of my bosses.
Coworker: I'd tell a [dirty] joke, but, well, Abby's here.
Me: [Smile politely and keep standing there so he can't tell it and doesn't get a reaction from me.]
I don't want to acquiesce or give permission to things that aren't okay.
That is my rebellion.
