Having only very recently split from my boyfriends of over 2 years I suddenly began receiving some texts from a man I know in a professional capacity. They began talking about Work, then cheeky, then became flirty.
Initially I don’t think I thought it through when I first replied and as I don’t know him very well, I now look at some of my replies and think they were flirty and ill advised. I was amused and flattered initially and although it began as general chit chat, he has continually tried to steer the conversation down a sleazy path at which point I am not responding at all.
He’s bemused and a bit clingy now that I have suddenly stopped replying as he must have thought I was interested. I’m not.
I’m annoyed with myself for letting this happen and a lot my own fault for engaging too much. I don’t know how to turn it around firmly politely and professionally because I’m sure in his eyes I engaged in flirting with him, I don’t know how to phrase it. I have to see him at work occasionally although as he’s a contractor to my company I could complain. I don’t want to have to do this as it would cause a lot of problems and is Embarrassing.
there are elements of the sleazy part of the conversation have really bothered me. For instance he suggested I might be the type of woman who sent men naughty photos. I said I absolutely was not, and in fact I had been through a traumatic experience with a photo taken of me without my consent. Instead of feeling mortified he just continued to ask about the content of the photo and clearly found it exciting. Once this happened I no longer found any of it funny or harmless any more and have tried to keep silent or professional.
I know I’ve been silly but advice to turn this around?