DEAR HARRIETTE: I take the same train every morning to work. I’ve figured out where to stand on the platform so that the doors stop directly in front of me. I guess a lot of other people have figured out the same thing. I’ve been noticing a nicely dressed woman standing near me in the morning. I get on before she does and take my seat. Every day for the past week, she has sat down next to me, even though there are other seats open. We don’t speak a word to each other, but I do feel her look up to stare at me a couple of times. Do you think this behavior is odd? Should I confront the woman? -- Train Stalker, Westchester, New York
DEAR TRAIN STALKER: Rather than assuming the negative -- namely that this woman is stalking you -- be open to her obvious overture to connect with you. Speak to her. Say “Good morning,” and start a conversation. Start off vague to see where the conversation goes. If she is not forthcoming about her intentions, you can tell her you have noticed that she chooses to sit next to you each day, and you were wondering why. Try not to be accusatory. Be inquisitive instead. If you don’t want her to sit next to you, consider picking another seat or even a different car. You may not want to alter your routine, but it may be the only way to shake her.