OP:
So many red flags in this man’s behaviour.
Asking you out for a drink because he thinks you’re a ‘nice person’ is the first, especially given that you were just coming out of the loo. It was overly personal and inappropriate. It was also, on his part, tactical.
Similarly, his commenting that your ID photo was ‘nice’, especially given the leading question that followed: Not ‘where was it taken?’ but ‘was it taken in a bar?’ followed by eye contact and his eagerly awaiting your response.
But this, for me, was the biggest red flag:
He said to your colleague, out of the blue, ‘Laura, do you know that (OP’s name) invited me out for a meal?’
In other words, he lied about you to a colleague, knowing that you would be too surprised to call him out. He’d called you a ‘nice person’ knowing that you’d hesitate to accuse him of anything after he’d characterized you as such.
He’s also laying a trail he can point to if you file a complaint for harassment (‘But she’d invited me out. Ask Laura…’).
This is blatantly manipulative.
He is hinting to your colleagues that you are interested in him. He is planting the idea that you and he have some kind of relationship.
And, of course, he’s got you worried about being ‘rude’. After all, you’re a ‘nice person’!
You don’t owe this man an explanation.
You are not responsible for his feelings.
You are not being ‘ridiculous’, ‘difficult’ or ‘nutty’, as some posters have suggested, nor was there anything mixed-up or confusing about your post. These are concerning behaviours.
I would go to HR with this. Tell them exactly what you’ve told us. At least then it’s on record if it escalates (and it already has).
You are not being unreasonable.
You have done nothing wrong.
Trust your instinct.
PS: Have just read your further posts, and he is more than pushing boundaries.
He’s exploiting your suggestion that you meet for coffee. Also, asking if you knew how to dance, and using your polite reply against you.
But this:
He tried to touch your bag (testing boundaries). Then he tried to touch you (borderline assault).
By any standards, this is deeply inappropriate behaviour.
Chances are this will not end well. At the very least, he could make your life a misery. You may find yourself dreading going to work. I strongly suggest you take action now.
As a previous poster suggested, keep a log of his behaviours, and have a word with your line manager or union rep (or HR).
I suspect he’ll try to create opportunities to be alone with you. Do not let this happen.
And if he touches you, tell someone immediately. Do not hesitate to call the police.