Family dinners were always something I looked forward to.
Every Sunday I would meet my sister Mia, her husband Alex and their two children at their home.
The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and I enjoyed the time together as we caught up on our lives.
But in the last few months, something strange was happening.
During these dinners, I couldn’t help but notice that Alex, my brother-in-law, was constantly looking at me.
It wasn’t the casual glance one family member throws at another during a conversation.
No, it was more intense: his eyes stayed on me, every time I didn’t notice.
I would catch his gaze from across the table, and when our eyes met, he would quickly look away as if he was uncomfortable – and do the same a few minutes later.
At first I thought it was nothing, maybe I was imagining things.
But after a few weeks, I couldn’t ignore it anymore.
I started to feel uncomfortable.
Was it because of me?
Do I look weird?
Am I doing something wrong?
Finally, I decided I needed to talk to Mia.
The tension had been building up for weeks, and I couldn’t take the awkward feeling any longer.
After dinner one night, as we were washing dishes in the kitchen, I worked up the courage to bring it up.
Mia, can I ask you something? – I said, trying to keep my tone calm.
Sure, go ahead,’ she replied, wiping the countertop without looking at me.
I wanted to talk to you about something… It’s about Alex. I’ve noticed him staring at me during dinner. I’m starting to get uncomfortable.
Have you noticed it too?
Mia froze, her hand remained still on the tabletop, and for a moment she said nothing.
I could see her thinking fast.
‘I’m glad you’re finally talking about it,’ she said and turned to me.
‘I’ve noticed it too and wondered when you’d mention it.
Really? – I asked in shock.
‘So you know what I’m talking about then?
Mia sighed and her expression changed.
‘Yes, I do. But I didn’t want to tell you so as not to embarrass you.
But to be honest… I think I know why he’s acting like that.
I felt my stomach clench.
Why? What’s wrong?
Mia took a deep breath and then said with an expression of disappointment:
It’s because of the way you dress.
I looked at her with bewilderment.
What? How do I dress? What are you talking about?
Look, I’m sorry to tell you this, but it’s true,’ she continued in a soft but firm voice.
Alex has always had a… certain attraction to you.
And lately it’s gotten worse.
The way you dress when you come here – tight t-shirts, skirts, the way you wear your hair.
It drives him crazy, and I can see it in his eyes every time you walk into the room.
I felt my face redden with shock.
Are you serious? You’re telling me he’s staring at me because of my clothes?
Mia nodded with an expression that had both guilt and understanding in it.
I didn’t even want to admit it to myself, but it’s true.
And I’ve been trying to find a solution without creating chaos in the family.
But the way he looks at you…it’s not normal.
My thoughts were all jumbled up.
I felt a mixture of anger and bewilderment.
How could Alex, my sister’s husband, behave like this to me?
And how could Mia just sit there and tell me it was about my clothes?
I don’t know what to say,’ I muttered.
I had no idea.
I thought I was just imagining it.
I mean, I try to dress nicely for family dinners, but I never thought it would be interpreted that way.
I know, and I understand you,’ Mia said quickly.
But the way Alex is looking at you… it’s more than just a passing admiration.
I think it’s been bothering him for a while now, and he’s having a hard time holding back.
I wish it didn’t happen, but it’s reality.
I sat down at the kitchen table and felt overwhelmed.
This was the last thing I expected.
The man I had always only seen as my brother-in-law, who I considered a friend, had feelings for me.
And now my sister was telling me it was all about my clothes?
I don’t know what to do,’ I whispered.
I feel like I’m being accused of something I didn’t even know I was doing.
Should I stop dressing the way I want to dress?
Mia looked at me sympathetically.
No, I don’t blame you.
But I think you should be aware of how your behaviour affects him.
If it makes him feel uncomfortable or encourages him to overstep his boundaries, you might want to think about what you wear when you come here.
It’s not about changing your personality, it’s about keeping balance in the family.
I was silent for a moment, trying to make sense of everything.
Was I really to blame for the way Alex was looking at me?
Was I unintentionally encouraging his attention – just with my clothes?
Maybe I should talk to him,’ I finally said, uncertainly.
Maybe he’d stop if he knew he was making me feel uncomfortable.
Mia nodded.
‘Probably a good idea.
But be careful, okay?
I don’t want you to feel like you have to dress differently for anyone, but I don’t want it to cause more problems in the family either.
I understand,’ I said in a shaky voice.
I wouldn’t have thought it was so serious.
I wouldn’t have thought he was looking at me like that.
It feels…wrong.
I know, and I’m sorry you’re going through this,’ Mia said with an expression of guilt and concern.
‘But I will support you in whatever decision you make.
I just hope it doesn’t destroy our family.
As I left my sister’s house that evening, I felt a deep unease.
The situation was more complicated than I had ever imagined, and now I had to find a way to deal with it without destroying my relationship with my sister and her family.
I didn’t know what the future would bring, but I knew nothing would ever be the same again.
