Wife is annoyed that husband answers call of nature outside

DEAR ABBY: We moved to the country, but we’re not really far out of town. My educated, urbane, professional husband who has always lived in the city, now bypasses our 2 1/2 bathrooms and relieves himself outdoors in a “king of all he surveys” pose.

We no longer have children living at home, and he refrains from doing it when we have company or there’s any possibility of his being seen, but it still drives me crazy! Could I be jealous because I am female, or should I join him? — TEMPTED IN CALIFORNIA

DEAR TEMPTED: “Public” urination is against the law in most communities because of sanitation — as well as indecent exposure — issues. That said, the practice is not as unusual as you may believe. If you want to try it, I can’t stop you, but I do suggest you bring along some tissue and plan ahead for a place to dispose of it. As to whether your letter is a first, the answer is no. The topic arose about 20 years ago when “The Whiz-zard’s Wife” wrote me about her husband doing it after dark, and occasionally in the side yard during the day. I replied:

“This is not a subject that’s often discussed, but I suspect the practice is not unusual. Dogs and cats urinate to mark their territory. Your husband may be doing it for the same reason. ... The Los Angeles Police Department informs me that it’s ‘not illegal as long as it is not in public view.’”

I then suggested she check with the police in her city to be sure there are no ordinances against it.