On one hand, I agree with this: women should be treated as equals in business situations. On the other hand, I believe this: it is perceived as inappropriate w

On one hand, I agree with this: women should be treated as equals in business situations. On the other hand, I believe this: it is perceived as inappropriate when an authoritative figure of one sex is seen in a semi-private setting with a subordinate of another sex. Can of worms in this comment aside, that is the perception. This is particularly more prevalent when one or the other of these people is married. Why in the world would this be true? Because people have unfortunately abused situations like this far too often, or at least handled them in unwise ways far too often. To conform to one part of the story is, however illogically, perceived as an implied possibility for the second part of the story. This has everything to do with media, but it also has everything to do with setting proper boundaries. I think it's certainly similar in situations where the woman is in authority. The thought is, if there is never a chance for inappropriate things to happen, they won't; secondly, good people make mistakes. This doesn't mean they absolutely will - but it's in the same category as "the only safe sex is no sex at all." Complete abstinence has become the cultural standard for this particular behavior, and perception is the judge.