My husband’s cousin staying over is making me uncomfortable, and I’m trying to figure out the best way to address it. When he first arrived, I welcomed him with open arms. My husband insisted it was only temporary—just a few weeks until he got back on his feet after losing his job. I thought it was the right thing to do, a gesture of family support. But now, as the days drag on, I find myself grappling with an unease I can’t shake.

It started innocently enough. At first, I noticed his quiet demeanor, how he rarely spoke unless spoken to. I figured he was just shy and overwhelmed by the situation. But as the days turned into weeks, I realized his silence was more than just shyness; it felt like he was always watching me, lingering in doorways and corners, often too close for comfort. I catch him staring, and when I meet his gaze, there’s an intensity that unsettles me.

I’ve tried to ignore it, convincing myself I’m being paranoid. After all, he’s family, and it would be rude to bring up something that feels so trivial. But the tension is palpable, affecting the atmosphere in our home. My husband is oblivious to it, brushing off my concerns. “He’s just trying to find his place,” he says with a shrug. “Give him time.” But I can’t help but feel that my home, which should be my sanctuary, is slowly turning into a source of stress.

Every time I think about talking to my husband, I hesitate. How do I express my discomfort without sounding unkind or unsupportive? I don’t want to come off as overly sensitive or create unnecessary conflict within the family. I find myself hesitating at the kitchen door, dreading the possibility of running into his cousin, uncertain of what to say or how to navigate the conversation.

As the unease grows, I know I must find a way to address this without causing a rift. I need to reclaim my peace and make my home feel safe again. But with each passing day, I wonder how long I can keep this up before my discomfort becomes too much to bear.