"I'm not leaving till you smile".

[MsFenellaFielding]

I work alone in a small shop and we have a number of regulars. One of them can be rude/suggestive. I can deal with him usually by cutting him dead or just repeating back to him what he has said to me with a WTF look. I do not engage apart from to be polite and brisk.

Just before I closed today I had a call giving me some bad news. Unfortunately, by the time I turned back to the counter the man above was there waiting to be served. He was all "Come on, where's my smile" etc etc. I told him I had some news, was upset and asked what he wanted. He went on saying "Not telling till you smile" "Not leaving till you s mile" etc etc. I just kept asking what he wanted. Finally he told me so while making it he kept on with the comments.

Ashamed to say by now I had bloody tears dripping down my face and his final comment was "should have fucking smiled. Telling your bosses what a bitch you are".

Any help in dealing with this man day-to-day and also when I speak with my bosses. TIA.

I didn't have to do it often but when I worked in a pub you just used to say "Sorry, mate. You're barred" in a calm clear voice. If he blusters just repeat.

If he doesn't slink out you wait for a beat, watching him, and then say "If you cause any trouble I won't hesitate to call the police."

He'll go. It's being calm partly, and partly you knowing your boss has your back. Gives a certain authority to the voice and posture.

I would discuss the lone worker policy with your boss, specifically what action you should take if this man or another even more aggressive man does similar again. Do they need to make any changes to keep you safe etc etc

I wonder if they even have one. Obviously they should have.