When my husband told me his coworker, Mark, needed a place to stay for a few days due to some plumbing issues at his apartment, I was happy to help. I’d only met Mark a few times in passing, but he seemed friendly enough, and my husband assured me it would just be for a short while. I figured we’d have a pleasant guest, and I’d get a glimpse into my husband’s work life.

But almost immediately, Mark’s presence made me uneasy. It wasn’t anything obvious at first—just little things, like the way he’d watch me a bit too closely or how he always seemed to be in whatever room I was in, whether it was the kitchen, the living room, or even the backyard. His comments, though subtle, carried a strange undertone, as if he was testing boundaries in ways that made me uncomfortable.

Things escalated quickly from there. One night, I was watching TV alone, and Mark joined me, sitting too close on the couch even though there was plenty of space. He struck up a conversation, but his questions turned oddly personal, veering into territory about my marriage and whether I ever got bored at home. I tried to laugh it off and deflect, but his stare was intense, making the air in the room feel thick. I felt trapped, counting the minutes until my husband came back into the room.

The following morning, I woke up early and found Mark already in the kitchen, seemingly waiting for me. He made an offhand comment about my pajamas, complimenting my “relaxed look.” I brushed it off, but I couldn’t shake the discomfort it left me with. Over the next couple of days, his behavior only grew more invasive. I felt like I had to monitor my every move, second-guessing even simple things like how I dressed around the house.

I’ve thought about telling my husband, but I’m torn. I don’t want to seem paranoid, or make him feel awkward about a coworker he respects. At the same time, this is my home too, and I should feel safe and comfortable here. I’ve tried hinting that perhaps it’s time for Mark to find another place to stay, but my husband brushed it off, saying it’s only for a little while longer.

With each day, I feel more on edge, and I’m not sure how long I can keep quiet. I don’t want to create friction, but I know I need to set boundaries. I’m hoping that I can find a way to address this without making things awkward between my husband and his coworker. But if I can’t, I may just have to be more direct—for my own peace of mind.