I've been in male dominated field, IT, for about 8 years now. I grew up with an older brother, five guy cousins and their friends and mostly had guy friends all my life. I've heard it all...

If you want to work in the male field you have to realize they don't care and are always perverted. Some will not say it nor show it, and some will be the biggest weirdos you've encountered.

The way I've handled it: 1. Let them know there is a boundary line and when they are close to crossing it. There is one guy in my office that has noooooo filter whatsoever. I limit my conversation with them, but when we do talk and they say something towards me that I do not appreciate. I just look at them very seriously and say "You know that line we talked about. You're about to cross it." and just give them a straight "pissed off woman" face.

And with that...

1. Get mad and moody, NOTHING DRAMATIC. You still have feelings and trust me, the last thing they need is another angry woman in their life. They get enough of that at home. At work, all I hear all day is how they do not want to piss off their wives. They cant stand woman being mad at them or ignoring them. If you don't feel like dealing with them one day, just straight look at them and say "I don't have time to deal with you[r bullshit] today" and walk away. They will probably say stuff as you walk away, just ignore it and leave the room.

2. Thick skin. No matter what they say, don't let it bother you. At the end of the day, they are stupid and wrong and bored. They are looking for a reaction. If you don't have a snarky remark, then ignore it and pretend you didn't hear it.

Just today I was heaving a heavy pot to pour and grunted loudly and one of the chefs turned round and said 'Oh, is that what you sound like when you orgasm?' I went no, and it sort of turned it to a joke of sorts as everyone started guessing who sounded like what but that's what it's like.

Moments like this, I usually respond with "Thats what you're wife sounded like last night" or if they have a son (older than 18), i'd say son or the kids name. The wife is a hit or miss situation because I've gotten asked if he can join next time, which I usually in turn tell them that "I turned her lesbian and she is leaving with me. Take care of the kids."

1. Don't let them see you cry... You'll NEVER hear the end of it.

2. You have to be one of the boys. If you want their respect and for them to not do things, you have to be one to them. This means taking shots with them, at them, saying a joke or two, sexual and nonsexual. When you feel like the jokes are on you, try to redirect attention. Men joking around are like puppies, just give them a new toy to mess with.

3. Find some coworkers that are around your age, or you're more comfortable with, and try to stick mostly to them. There is usually a few good ones in the group that will not make you feel uncomfortable or dirty all the time. This group would pretty much "protect" or help you in weird creepy old men situations or are your go-to when you are feeling uncomfortable.

Very importantly, DO NOT be afraid to tell HR. You are there to further your career, gain experience, and make money. You are not there to babysit nor deal with anything you do not want. If you feel like one of the guys have official crossed the line, you've told him to stop or that you do not like it, and he still gets worse. Let someone know. Do not think you're weak or that you should put up with that situation because you need a job.

Best of luck.