Weird primal possessive issue working in a male-dominant group?

[Anonymous]

I work with a lot of guys and am one of two women (out of 400/500 guys). The other woman is a little more masculine. I insist on being myself and staying feminine but I have to be very firm with the guys and make sure they all follow what I tell them to do because I’m the boss.

I’ve been in that job for almost 30 years now and suddenly several of the guys are into touching me when they say hello or want to get my attention to talk about something. At first it just seemed normal — I’ve worked with all these guys a long time — but recently something’s different. A few of them seem to be more clingy towards me, lingering more… and sort of competitive with each other to get my attention. What the hell is going on?

[spartan55]

You know what's up. Nip that shit in the bud boss, no one should be touching anyone at work. As a boss you surely would know this.

[Asker]

It’s not inappropriate sort of thing. Also, as you know. In situations like that where the woman’s the boss, she’s expected to be fair and even tempered. I’m planning to chat with them later this week when they come in — individually. I doubt it’s anything to do with me. Perhaps some rivalry between them.

[spartan55]

Touching you isn't appropriate, period. Tell them to take their dick swinging contest elsewhere.

[Asker]

Hahaha. I’ll work on the wording. Thanks for making me laugh about it, though. I spent the weekend worrying.

[Asker]

I just figure they’re either in a pissing contest about something and are ultimately going to ask me to pick one of them to resolve it OR they’re possibly nervous about something that out team is working on and it has them behaving oddly. This isn’t normal action for them.

I know these guys… They’re not bad guys or anything. I don’t think this is malicious or even sexual. It’s just… “a little off.” I want to know a nice way to address it rather than jumping to the conclusion that there’s something nefarious going on.

I’ll see each of them soon and just go through the usual drill — is everything ok? I noticed some changes, etc. I have no problem doing that. BUT… I don’t want to be misunderstood and then the idea of touching is on their minds… because then THAT would be a problem for me.

[Anonymous]

Your mind couldn't handle all the male dominance