1 He's obviously a half-wit. Subtly doesn't work with simpletons like that. You have to be rude.

2 The guy who said "Taser" in the other comments thread had the right idea. Note that "Taser," "testicles," and "target" all begin with "T." Kevin

3 Annika, perhaps you think it's a little early, or that he hasn't really done anything wrong--but IMO: If he's really creeping you out, talk to your HR department about harrasment. If I'm not mistaken, in CA that's pretty freakin' serious (as it is in other places, but it's more serious in some places than others, sometimes) so you will at least have it documented. It's a huge-ass step, but if your work starts to suffer, you've got to look out for number one.

4 It's definitely weird that he said "Hey you" -- that sounds lecherous coming from almost anyone, especially a freak like this. It also bothers me that he is tracking you so intensely that he felt the need to ask what was wrong. First of all, he shouldn't have even noticed, since you are not at all close. Second, social customs and formalities would prohibit any well adjusted person from asking such a question of anyone that you don't have a more personal relationship with. In an office setting, the only way it would be acceptable to ask would be for instance if he walked past and saw you pounding on the fax machine ... then a question such as that would be totally reasonable. Otherwise, totally creepy.

5 Let me caution you not to bring the "harrassment" word up to early or to report anything unless he's done more than annoy you. If you remember my own experience with an annoying Norman, I just tried to tolerate it - probably treated the guy much like you are. I could live with it as long as he just annoyed me. He did ask me out once, I turned him down. It was shortly after that that he came into my cubicle and started the shoulder massage thing. And that's when I went to his immediate supervisor. I wanted to go up the chain of command before I took it to HR. His boss talked to him and it all stopped. If your Norman starts to take it to a level where you feel unsafe, then talk to his boss first. Or your boss. A talk from one of them might solve the problem. If not, then go up another level. Imho, HR is a last resort.

6 If they have any kind of decent harrassment policy where you work reporting it to any manager should result in the manager taking it to HR rather than talking to Mr (master) Bates. A maager is in a situation like this the company. If he does not take the appropriate action based on the company's policy, the company is liable. Unless you're 100% certain of this guy's mental and emotional stability, I would not let it continue, and I would not recommend dealing with it yourself.

7 While easier said than done, telling him to his face with tact (the frankness factor) is the route to take. Ignoring him, in my opinion, increases the allure. (in his mind) Persisence after frankness could=harassment. But, you're the aspiring lawyer, so you tell me.

8 Well perhaps i'm wrong to still read all this in a light-hearted mood, but it's just social akwardness that's all. There is a way to conduct yourself in these matters and i would react the same way as annika. no need to tell him off, as that is rude and he hasn't really done anything or said anything warranting that, he's just been obtuse. when someone is obtuse, they are annoying. when something is annoying, you don't make time for it. when you don't make time for it, then all you do is just be short with and/or ignore the obtuse person and things work themselves out, they always do. on the chance the toad runs into you one more time to talk about "all this", thereupon inform him that you need to focus on work when you are at work, and if possible drop mention of your steady eddie as you end the conversation, which should only last 20 seconds.

9 You're on the playground of life gurlfren. Going to the teacher should be a last resort, but I've always eschewed litigiousness. I'd recommend cutting his nuts in the coolest way possible, AND in front of witnesses. It is how one "scalds" a dog. An example might be responding to his query, "Are you ignoring me?" by stopping, turning, moving into his space, and saying, "Yes, possibly you're not aware of how uncomfortable your unwanted attention makes me feel. Then again, maybe you are, and you're just a creep. I'm not sure, so yes, I'm ignoring you".

10 Well, I'd have to second Joe's comments above. Since you (presumably) haven't really said what's on your mind, perhaps a bit of civilized straightforwardness might be in order.

11 IMHO, the fact that the guy is a social retard is not a good reason to lodge any sort of formal complaint against him. Of course if you believe it's something more than social retardation, then perhaps that's in order; but if he's just obtuse, I'd recommend simply being direct with him. If that fails to get the desired response, at least you can go to the appropriate supervisor or HR and tell them with a clear consicence that you made your position clear, and he refuses to get the message. And that puts you in a stronger position, if things come to that.

12 Be rude. As pointed out earlier, you have HR on your side. He needs to get the point. He'll be thankful later, whether he realizes it or not. You'll be glad you did.