How to approach my male friends about hitting on me inappropriately?

[Anonymous]

I’m afraid to speak up because last time I tried to assert boundaries nicely, men thought I was accusing them of sexual harassment and they complained to the boss and I got fired from my job. With these men telling everyone I’m a sexual predator and turning friends against me. I’m afraid that I might get similar drama from merely standing up for myself. Can someone please help me?

[spartan55]

Okay you don't get fired for 'trying to assert boundaries nicely'. I don't think that was the whole story.

[Asker]

Well it was. Their interpretation of my asking them to stop flirting with me was to tell the boss that I accused them of sexual harassment. With all due respect, you weren’t there.

[Asker]

But that’s not my question. My question is how not to freak men out and make them paranoid that I’m accusing them of sexual harassment.

[spartan55]

With all due respect I've seen many women create things in their minds that isn't a complete version of the truth. So you were fired for accusing coworkers of sexual harassment? Should have sued the company if that's what happened.

[Asker]

I didn’t accuse them of sexual harassment. I asked them to stop flirting. I had no money, so how was I going to do that?

[Asker]

So my question is, how do I stop people from flirting with me when I’m not interested? Without them freaking out and saying I’ve accused them of sexual harassment?

[spartan55]

How did you 'define your boundaries' ?