Feeling guilty and unsettled about colleagues' behavior - need advice, please
As-salamu alaykum, sorry if this is a bit raw but I need to get this off my chest and would really appreciate some honest perspective. This has been weighing on me for a while and I’m anxious about what to do next. I’ve been feeling a lot of guilt and upset because of some issues at work. I have two colleagues, both non-Muslim, one man and one woman, who have been acting oddly around me. They give frequent, intimate-seeming compliments, ask me out multiple times even after I said no, show what feels like favoritism, tease me, and ask very personal questions. At first I assumed it was just friendly and I tried to be warm and polite back. I always try to be respectful and professional - I keep conversation surface-level and avoid very personal topics. But these two started asking about dating history, sexuality, home life, politics, and then complimenting me in ways that felt excessive and inappropriate. One has asked me out repeatedly in different ways and it makes me uncomfortable when I refuse. Since I realised their behavior goes beyond normal colleague chat, I’ve been really anxious at work. I overthink every interaction for days. I replay my words and try to remember if I gave the wrong impression. I even question what I wear, though I wear a uniform that’s very loose and a long hijab - there’s nothing revealing. Still, I can’t stop wondering if I did something to invite this. I feel ashamed and a bit ‘unclean’ emotionally. I don’t want to be flirted with or seen in a sexual or romantic way. Every comment, even compliments about clothing or parts of my body, makes me feel tarnished. I don’t joke or behave like myself at work anymore. I just feel like I messed up somehow. Sisters (and brothers too), please be honest - is there something I should do or something I did that caused this? I don’t think this is normal workplace behavior. Most people know that we avoid dating and flirting, so why would they keep doing this with me? Any advice on how to set boundaries, respond, or handle this while keeping my dignity and faith intact would mean a lot. JazākAllāhu khayran.