Beyond the disappointment of Herman Cain, this insightful little piece uses his example to talk about the kind of decorum that is necessary in order to avoid inappropriate engagements between members of the opposite sex, in government or business:
One congressional wife says emphatically: “Receptions are a danger zone. Members need to quickly learn that attending receptions is optional, and there are very few they actually need to attend. Members need to learn where to buy quick meals and how to use the microwave. Receptions should not be viewed as the place to get dinner. Married Members should avoid alcohol use in public and private conversations with single women. Do not give out or request private contact info. Staff can handle legitimate requests. Talk about the wife and kids to any and all women!”
I have a friend who pointed out to me when I complained to her about the unwanted advances of a (single) man that emails with too much detail can send the wrong signal. I had been emailing a single man with whom I had what I wanted to remain a fully platonic relationship. He did not perceive my emails thus. In any case, I took it as instructive. Merely emailing, forget any personal contact, was quite enough to get things started. I don’t think it’s ridiculous to put rules in place for male/female friendship, if one values one’s marriage, because something small and innocuous can get the ball rolling–and it gets away from people often enough.
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