Is this rude for an Office Environment?

Question

I am over 40 and dye the gray out of my beard. We were sitting around in a meeting waiting for the last person to show up, and a fellow employee sitting at the other side of the room announced this fact to the whole staff. We all ignored it so about 2 minutes later she mentioned it again. I figure this is my business not something up for discussion in front of the whole office. Am I too sensitive or was she being rude?

Also, she is the person you let know things if you want everyone to know it. I’ve worked there for 6 years and been dying my beard for 10 years. Does this mean she likely just figured it out? I tend to take better care of it on weekends, and tended to care a bit less about how it looked for work. So it was more noticeable.

Answer 1

Not a big deal. Just ignore her.

Answer 2

She sounds like the office busy body, you need to discuss this with her if it is making you feel uncomfortable. Pull her aside and tell her that it is inappropriate to discuss this personal matter in front of the entire office and you would appreciate it if she would keep her comments to herself.

You wouldn't do that to her so why does she think she can and get away with it.

Good Luck

Answer 3

Of course she was being rude.  Nobody cares if you dye your beard; she only announced it to get attention.

And yes, you're probably being too sensitive.  Think about it -  if she noticed after 6 years that you dye your beard, chances are everyone else figured it out a long time ago.  But like I said - who cares?  As long as the dye job makes you feel good about your looks and gives you more confidence, dye away!