Bathroom calls not appreciated
Dear Annie: I’ve noticed a strange habit that some people seem to have. Recently, several friends have talked to me on the phone while using the bathroom. I can hear everything that is going on, including the toilet flushing. It makes me very uncomfortable. Is it proper etiquette to be using the bathroom while talking on the phone?
Heard Too Much
Dear Heard: Is that a rhetorical question? No, it is not polite to bring someone into the bathroom with you telephonically. The next time someone does this, don’t be afraid to say: “I’ll try you back later. You sound busy.”
Dear Annie: I was born with a cleft palate and nose, and I have a psychological complex from it that makes me self-conscious around others. But I would really like to meet someone and have a romantic relationship. Can you give me advice on how to go forward and just be myself? M.P.
Dear M.P.: I hope this goes without saying, but having a cleft palate or nose doesn’t make you unattractive. Anyone who says otherwise doesn’t deserve the pleasure of your company.
I encourage you to consider trying therapy to nurture healthier self-esteem, first and foremost. The moment we fully love ourselves is the moment we’re ready to accept love from someone else. You might also benefit from talking with other people who understand your experience. The Cleft Lip and Palate Association facilitates such support communities. Though they’re based in the U.K., you can join their online support communities at www.clapa.com/ support/online-support.
Dear Annie: You recently published a letter from “Monarch Watcher,” who said that Hass avocados led to habitat destruction of monarch butterflies. Monarchs have indeed experienced a sharp decline in habitat, but avocado production is not to blame. Here are some facts for you.
1. Eastern monarchs winter in Mexico, western monarchs mainly in California. Mexico established the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve to help preserve the habitat.
2. One contributing cause to the decline of monarch populations has been the weather in Texas. Butterflies need to pass through Texas, which has had some severe droughts in recent years.
3. U.S. agriculture has been killing off weeds including milkweed. Milkweed flora is a big food source for monarch butterflies.
Luke B.
Dear Luke: I am deeply sorry for publishing misinformation on monarchs. I referred to an older FDA document and didn’t realize they’d changed their guidelines in 2016. Your fact-checking is appreciated.
Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@ creators.com. To find out more about Annie Lane and read features by other Creators Syndicate columnists and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.