Son’s house is disgusting
DEAR ANNIE >> My son and his wife hardly ever really clean their house. The bathroom on the main level gets cleaned once in a while — when friends are coming over — but the ones upstairs are disgusting. When I have stayed there, I’ve cleaned the bathroom I use because I can’t stand it. They’ve lived in this house for three years, and there is dust that has never been swept up. Neither one was raised like this.
They both work, and I’ve tried hinting that perhaps they should get a cleaning service, but my son doesn’t want to do that. I am there one day a week to watch my grandchildren and have thought about offering to clean, but I don’t feel I should do it free of charge, although I don’t need the money.
I really don’t want to stay overnight again until they clean. Should I tell them that? If so, any suggestions? — At My Wits’ End
DEAR WITS’ END >> Everybody has different standards of cleanliness. If you don’t think it would offend them, you could offer to get them a cleaning service one time, as a gift. Sometimes we stop noticing messes in our midst after a while; seeing the house spick-and-span might give your son and daughter-in-law a new perspective. But at the end of the day, it is their house. As long as it’s not anywhere near dangerously unsanitary — for example, resembling a hoarder’s house — clean enough for them is clean enough.
DEAR ANNIE >> I work in a large home improvement store. Customers are bringing their dogs into the store with more and more frequency.
I have turned down many aisles and been faced with dogs, from very large to very small — some leashed, some not. One time, a small loose dog crawled into a display, and the owner wanted me to get it out.
I work while seated at a desk. One customer’s unleashed dog was at my feet, when a second dog came into the area and charged, resulting in a scuffle at my feet.
Another time, a large dog was at my shoulder peering at my computer with me.
I thought my situation was ridiculous, but then another employee was bitten badly by a very large dog. She was walking past and was bitten on her finger, which resulted in her getting many stitches.
I find dog owners to be irresponsible. Recently, I was on a group tour of homes. One person brought a dog and, while we were outside, allowed the dog to walk without a leash.
I know it is politically incorrect to not fawn over dogs. Personally, I have had two dogs. I treated them well and took care of them. But people always came first.
— In the Doghouse
DEAR IN THE DOGHOUSE >> I love dogs, but that doesn’t mean I think it’s appropriate to let them freely roam everywhere. It’s not safe, for them or for people, as your bitten coworker can attest. What I don’t understand is why you and the rest of the staff are allowing dogs to roam off leash. Perhaps you could talk to management about installing large signs out front that make your policy on animals in the store clear, whatever it may be.
“Ask Me Anything: A Year of Advice From Dear Annie” is out now! Annie Lane’s debut book — featuring favorite columns on love, friendship, family and etiquette — is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit http://www.creatorspublishing.com for more information.
Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com.