A certain co-worker of mine has a habit of placing his foot on my desk while conversing with me. My desk is an L shape and where he stands is not across the desk from me, but at the end of one of the legs. This makes me uncomfortable as his crotch is at a relatively close distance to my face. I cannot roll my chair back too far because the other leg of the desk and a wall are behind me.

The situation is further complicated because I am a woman and he is my direct superior. I honestly believe that he does not know it makes me uncomfortable. Nor do I believe there is anything sexual about the behavior. He is in his late fifties and I really think he is just used to a different 'time and place'.

I realize the most honest solution would be to directly confront him about the issue but in the past when I have done this it always results in this odd period that can last for days where he acts like he has been offended, mopes around, and generally avoids me.

I live and work in the US.

My questions are: Is it appropriate for someone to place their feet on your desk when speaking to you? Is it appropriate for a supervisor to place their feet on a subordinate's desk?

Any advice on non-verbal ways to indicate that this is an uncomfortable physical setting are greatly appreciated as well.

Thanks,

A certain co-worker of mine has a habit of placing his foot on my desk while conversing with me. My desk is an L shape and where he stands is not across the desk from me, but at the end of one of the legs. This makes me uncomfortable as his crotch is at a relatively close distance to my face. I cannot roll my chair back too far because the other leg of the desk and a wall are behind me.

The situation is further complicated because I am a woman and he is my direct superior. I honestly believe that he does not know it makes me uncomfortable. Nor do I believe there is anything sexual about the behavior. He is in his late fifties and I really think he is just used to a different 'time and place'.

I realize the most honest solution would be to directly confront him about the issue but in the past when I have done this it always results in this odd period that can last for days where he acts like he has been offended, mopes around, and generally avoids me.

I live and work in the US.

My questions are: Is it appropriate for someone to place their feet on your desk when speaking to you? Is it appropriate for a supervisor to place their feet on a subordinate's desk?

Any advice on non-verbal ways to indicate that this is an uncomfortable physical setting are greatly appreciated as well.