[CA] Is this weird or am I just crazy?

Workplace Issues

Hi, I’ve been noticing some off behavior of a coworker for the past few months. I guess it’s been going on longer than that as I’ve been at my current job for over 8 years and at this location for over a year. Before I transferred, I would travel to this location often so I knew this coworker prior. Let’s call this person N. So N is quite a bit older than me, maybe 25-30 years age difference and married, I’ve met their partner in passing and they have adult kid(s) together. They are older than my parents. What started as friendly good mornings and hugs has turned weird or at least that is how I’m interpreting it. Every time I see N in the morning, they will come over to me and say “sorry, sorry” as they approach me for a hug. Many times our faces will lean to the same side as I go in for the hug. Also, they don’t necessarily kiss me on the cheek but it feels like it. Sometimes if I don’t see them in the morning, they will come to the place I usually take my breaks and awkwardly hug me as I’m sitting down. There was one instance where I was trying on a pair of shoes in an area where N frequents and I had to take my shoes and socks off to try them on. I already felt weird doing it as they were there. I’m not embarrassed or grossed out of my feet or feet in general but then they made a comment like, “oh, you have pretty feet.” I didn’t know what to say so I said thanks and tried to quickly put my shoes back on and leave. N frequently makes comments on my smile, how I brighten up their day when I come in, sometimes what I’m wearing or how I look in general. Just yesterday I was wearing a bodysuit with a collared shirt unbuttoned. Now, this isn’t something I would normally wear necessarily. Usually I would keep the shirt buttoned as my job is very physically demanding and fast paced so the more comfortable the better, but the dress code must still remain professional. The body suit was not low cut and not provocative but again, just something I wouldn’t normally wear to work. Also, it’s relevant to mention I am averagely chested with a lean frame so there isn’t much to see anyways. When he greeted me for a hug, he kept me on his side for longer than usual and he was looking, commented I usually have my shirt buttoned, and that I/it looks good. Now, here’s the kicker, after he said that he mentions to me,“If I say anything inappropriate just let me know.” And this isn’t the first time N has said something along those lines. I am not a confrontational person, in fact, I avoid it at all costs so I’ve never said anything and have never even thought to go to HR about any of this as to not create a hostile work environment as I have to interact with this person on a daily basis. I have taken into account the interactions between N and my other colleagues and I’m sure I’m the only one who is treated in this manner. I feel like given those comments of if I feel uncomfortable/inappropriate to just let them know, almost make me not want to say anything, regardless of my issues I have with confrontation. I guess I just want to hear if this behavior is normal? Am I gaslighting myself into thinking this is normal or am I crazy to think this could be considered workplace harassment of any kind? N is just a kind person, when we sometimes walk as a team to go get coffee, they will offer to buy my drink even though I usually decline.

Posted Jun 13, 2025, 2:12 PM UTC

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