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Ugh - just reading this made me hate this guy! I can only imagine how annoying/frustrating he is IRL. Grrrrrr.

Ok. If I were you - I would try to one up his inane comments, if he is going to be a d*ck--- give it right back. But in a professional manner of course (ha).

Or just be dismissive. Or ignore him. Or - confront him.... I am not a confrontational person, so easier said than done, but something along the lines of telling him to STFU because it has nothing to do with work, stick to the job, etc etc.

If after your trip it's just as bad - I would talk to HR.

Sorry you're dealing with this!! I had a dude like that at my old job and I was a total b*tch to him, but nice to everyone else, and he eventully got it and stopped talking to me mostly, but it was awkward when we had to work together. _ I would try to get someone else assigned.

Good luck!

I'd be on the phone with HR in a heartbeat! Or, at least his boss (your boss?).

I'm really nonconfrontational too, but I think he is really crossing a lot of lines. I guess I would try to take the high road on the trip, but since you know he will make even more inappropriate comments, I'd start writing them down so you have something concrete to go to HR with. That's really inappropriate-- I wouldn't hire women because they get knocked up?? Seriously? I'm pretty sure that qualifies as sexual harassment. Not much you can do before this trip, but for sure don't let it continue after this.

ugh that totally stinks :(. I had to travel for over a year, almost every week with someone I didn't particularly care for. And it was awkward that he was a single young male and we were always together. BUT, he wasn't near as bad as what you're describing! That would be miserable! If it continues, I'd definitely say something to HR or a boss!

Um, put that dude in his place. He's new, he needs to be taken down a notch. If he starts giving you advice, tell him that it's not acceptable for him to do so and that your pregnancy is not up for discussion. If he keeps it up, tell him that his behavior is completely inappropriate and that you will be talking to HR about it.

Would he say these things around other coworkers? It sounds like there will be other people in the car.

Also, what an asshole.

Booooo this guy is bad news.

If you have not done so already keep a desk diary of dates and things he says. Arm yourself for when you absolutely break and have to tell HR about the hostile environment Q is making for you.

On the business trip you could try to learn about him and maybe make him the center of attention. Guys like talking about themselves and since he is so opinionated I am sure he has a lot
to say. You stay quiet and just listen. He may ease up if you become his soundboard. Try "how did your parents meet?" Or
"tell me about the coolest place you visited". Let him entertain himself.

When he gets preachy and rude then stick to a line and repeat, repeat, repeat. "Q, I find your remarks rude, please stop." Saying the same thing to counter bad behavior has been one of the moat effective ways I had handled situations and prevented shouting matches. It really works.

Good luck.

I am so sorry. If I were in your place I would definitely go to HR. This, to me, is a form of harassment and it is absolutely unacceptable.

@septemberlove: make an excuse for why you have to drive alone, dr apt, family obligation etc.. I used to have to carpool for out of town engagements and I would just say I don't want to hold the team up etc ill meet you guys at the hotel. You then Avoid awkward dinners and can get some personal time to yourself also! I am an accountant/auditor too and hate getting paired up w fresh meat who have not figured out boundaries yet!!:) good luck!!!

Oh what a dick!! I had to do one of those - car trip and all - but it was just me and him, no buffer. He was gluten intolerant and that's all he talked about. And he was so argumentative with everything. He wasn't half as offensive as your guy but it was so bad I was livid just silently driving back home. I wanted to leave him by the side of the road. He ended up getting fired a few weeks later *shrug*