Locked door will keep guest out of wrong bathroom
Dear Abby: My husband has a male coworker, “Bo,” who comes to our house occasionally. We have two bathrooms, one of which is in our bedroom. The other is the guest bathroom.
When Bo needs to use the restroom, he goes into our bedroom and uses ours. He never asks; he just goes in, even after I have pointed out the guest bathroom. I feel as if he is invading my personal space, and I think it’s rude.
What can I do, as pointing out the guest bathroom hasn’t worked?
Dear Creeped Out: If you have medications in your bathroom, you should check to be sure he isn’t helping himself to some of them when he visits.
Because you can’t seem to convey the message to “Bo the Boor,” before his next visit, ask your husband to tell him that guests are supposed to use the guest bathroom. And, if that doesn’t discourage him, install a lock on your bedroom door.
Dear Abby: My 21year-old daughter, “Alex,” and her 6-yearold moved into an apartment with her 18-yearold boyfriend. We had a tough time accepting this, but I make do because I love Alex and want to be part of her life.
My boyfriend of eight years, “Niles,” can’t accept my daughter’s new boyfriend. We were invited over for dinner, and Niles refused to go.
I’m afraid all future events will be strained and I’ll be forced to choose between my daughter and Niles.
Dear Sad Mother: Tell Niles that, if you must choose between him and your daughter, you will choose your daughter. Nothing would be gained by punishing her and alienating her young man. If Niles has a problem with that, don’t let him make it your problem, too. Continue your relationship with your daughter and see Niles separately.
Dear Abby: Today is my 50th birthday. I’m a person with a few close friends, but I’m not widely social.
The members of my book club knew that it was my birthday when we met a few days ago. I had mentioned it before our meeting. Nothing was said when we met.
My best friend is going on vacation and hasn’t remembered. My husband asked me what plans I had made for us to do today. My sister, bless her, has been wonderful and feels responsible to try to make the day special for me.
Is it really my job to plan a celebration?
Dear Vexed: My dear mother used to say, “If you want something done right, do it yourself!” That is good advice when those around you are too preoccupied to be as nurturing as you would like them to be.
Write Dear Abby at Universal Press Syndicate, in care of The Columbus Dispatch, P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069; for a reply, enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Or visit www.dearabby.com.