This happened to me at lunch in the employee break room just the other day. I put my lunch tote down on the table and actually pulled out my sandwich container and drink to make sure it was obvious someone was sitting there. I went to wash my hands and lo and behold there was a late 20-something male sitting in my seat. He had turned my chair sideways to talk with people at the table behind that spot. I thought about just moving my things to another table but inside I said, "Hell no, I'm not making an exception for his unawareness!!"

I stood behind him, directly in front of my lunch tote (that's how far he had moved "my" chair"), and the others could see me but he could not. I stared at the back of his head while he chattered on and glanced at the others periodically. They kept looking from me to him while he told his story. I hung in there because I don't like "confrontation" and really wanted to back down. Finally, he realized they kept staring behind him so he looked around. Once he was looking at me I said, "I don't mind you being here but couldn't you get me another chair since you took the one in front of my lunch here while I washed my hands?" Man, he popped up and gave back my chair, profusely apologizing, saying he didn't notice anyone was sitting there. I'm certain he did, indeed, not notice, he's that type...young, self absorbed but otherwise an ok person. He just has "lessons" to learn and as I look back on it now, I'm glad I obliged!

I was proud that I put my foot down with myself and not take the path of least resistance and meekly move. I called him out on his blunder in a polite but "I'm not kidding" tone of voice and it was liberating.

I'm one of the oldest employees where I work and I get a lot of politeness and respect because of that but I'm also very nice and respectful to and of others and it does pay off! I say that because it's harder for others to be downright rude to you, especially in front of others, if you're a decent coworker and don't deserve being disrespected. Of course, who does, right?

The moral of the story? Make yourself your own advocate and don't cave in!