I work in an office that is all men except for me and another woman. It is a male dominated environment and I noticed that the men would leave together to go for lunch (they regularily made plans in advance amongst themselves) and not invite me and the other woman. I didn't take this too hard, because it is common in the oil and gas industry. One time when the men were gathering to go out together my female co-worker asked if she could join them. When she asked one of the men said "No" and kind of laughed and then said she could join them. I was left by myself. Nobody asked if I was interested in joining them. And I didn't feel comfortable doing so because I wasn't invited. I later noticed that the man who said "No" to her would sometimes make comments at work like he is annoyed or irritated by female co-worker.

Anyways, I was taken aback when I noticed that this female co-worker started planning lunch outings and would invite all the men and not include me. I was surprised by this because I have always made the effort to be friendly with her. The two of us even went out for lunch once and discussed doing it again in the future. To make a long story short, I started noticing a pattern-she only wants to do stuff with me when we are alone (just us ladies), however, when she hangs out with the men she wants to be the only female present. I get along well with all my co-workers and professionally things are going great. But I have felt a bit baffled by this female's behaviour. What do you think her motives are? Anyone ever had friends of the same sex do something similar?

Recently at noon me, the lady, and a man at the company were heading out of the building. She made a remark to indicate that they had already made plans of what they are planning to do. She said, "We are going to McDonald's". The two of them didn't inquire about my plans nor invite me to join them. Later on I commented to both of them (during our work shift in the afternoon) that I find it odd that people in our workplace organize lunch outings but only invite certain people. The man quickly said "alright" (kind of like he got my drift and agreed somewhat), but the woman was kind of defensive and made some feeble excuses.

After I made that comment I noticed a change. I would overhear the woman asking the man what he is doing for lunch and then he would make up excuses and not go out with her for lunch. I also noticed that he seems to be spending less time around her. I wasn't implying that they cannot ever eat togeher I was simply suggesting that they include others (for courtesy sake). However the guy has taken things to the extreme and I have observed he seems to be avoiding initiating social contact with her. What is your opinion? Is this woman trying to use our workplace to get dates? What do you think of the man's changed behaviour?

Anyone ever encounter a similar scenario?