Doctor and staff members can be heard making fun of their patients

Dear Abby: I work as a receptionist in a small medical office. I love my job, but I cannot tolerate when my co-workers make fun of our patients. Sometimes it happens while the patients are still in the exam rooms, maybe within earshot. Even the doctor contributes to this crudeness.

Some examples: “Did you see the size of that guy’s nose?” or, “What’s with the color of her hair?” or, “He smells like he hasn’t had a bath in weeks.” This goes on throughout the day every day. Is there anything I can do or say to change this mindset? We have great patients.

— At a Loss for Words

Dear At A Loss: The person who’s responsible for the lack of respect for the patients is your employer, the doctor. If this is happening sometimes within earshot of the patients, I am, frankly, shocked that he or she has a medical practice.

There is nothing you can do to change the culture in that environment. Because it upsets you — and I can certainly see why it would

— you might be happier working for another doctor.

Dear Abby: Would you please settle an argument between my husband and me? One of us thinks it’s OK to dry our everyday dishes with the same dish towel we clean our dog’s bowl with.

The bowl is first rinsed with soap and water then wiped with the dish towel.

One of us thinks it’s disgusting. The other disagrees. Would you wash your dishes with said towel?

— Curious in Kettering, Ohio

Dear Curious: Although the dish may be perfectly clean after being washed with soap and water, because of the “ick” factor, I sure wouldn’t.