I need some sincere advice on how to combat this issue, this is my second time having a desi house mate that does not wash her hands after using the bathroom. Now, I’m too embarrassed to plain out say it so please don’t tell me to do that. How do I know that they don’t wash? well because they have one foot out the door and then they flash and out they go.
In my last apartment I posted a sign above the door that said please wash hands, it never worked. I have purchased really expensive hand soap, creams that would make anyone want to wash their hands over and over. I also purchased a soap that doesn’t require water.
My day begins with spraying everything around the house with an antibacterial spray but we share some dishes and i don’t have time to wipe everything on a daily basis.
What is a non offensive way to get the message across. Oh before I let my current house mate move in I told her in front of her parents that my last house mate used to not wash her hands, here I am with the same problem again. :-/
I have trained 30 5 year olds to wash their hands after visiting the toilet. I once even made a boy who was sat picking his nose get up and wash his hands right there and then. No one picks their nose in front of me anymore!!!
I had a friend who did not wash her hands and I know that because when we were traveling together once, we stopped at a rest area and I saw her leaving the bathroom area without going toward the sinks. So after that I was on alert. Later, we happened to be staying in the same hotel and she had brought her kids to our room. We had pizza and she was about to grab some for her kids when I said let's all go wash our hands, we need to have good habits... as if I was trying to teach the kids. Since then, she always washes when she's around me at least.
In your case, she lives with you so even if you tell her, there's no way knowing that she'll actually do it unless you supervise her. So I say, just tell her when there's a real opportunity... rest of the times, sanitizer zindabad!
i SO don't envy you!
but i think you need to suck it up and tell her! unfortunately, theres no way around it. her not washing her hands is a disgusting habit and the onus of anti-bacter'ing everything shouldn't fall on you!
OR you could bring up the case of a "colleague" and say, man, they don't wash their hands, that is so disgusting, i can't believe it, etc. etc. Make a big fuss and be clear on your handwashing policy and she might get the hint?
I had a housemate like that once too...she NEVER washed her hands and I was soooo disgusted by this! I went through the same anxiety and then I had reached my limit when I saw her not even close the bathroom door to use it once! I went right upto her and asked her what the heck she thought she was doing. The door is there for a reason and so is the soap. You are an adult now and you need to start using them! Of course, she was completely taken aback and tried to deny it. I used this as an opportunity to tell her how bad it is for her and for the people around her. If not for her own sake, she should be cautious of spreading germs to others.
We had exact same problem with a colleague , and we eat lunch together 3,4 times a week (4,5 colleagues ). So one colleague noticed this accidently and he swore that he wont eat lunch in group if this person is part of group( although he would remain at good terms with him). I had to solve this problem. Cant say this on his face because he will never accept it as his normal behaviour.
Tried to convince the other colleague that it might be an isolated incident , when he forgot to wash hands but he was not convinced.
So after few days of brainstorming, we devised a plan to make a rule for lunch that everybody must wash his hands before starting lunch, and whoever forgets, will have to treat the group with something after lunch ( ice cream , biscuits , fruits etc ).
We made this rule strict by adding that no body will remind anyone to wash hands. At first, I told other group members to randomly pose as they forgot, and pay the panelty. So he ( the concerned colleague) should not feel targeted in anyway.
It is a fun rule. Every other day someone keeps forgeting to wash their hands, including myself and the guy who initiated boycot :D
and this traditions provides much needed entertainment , apart from solving a difficult problem.
I would just suck it up and tell her!! that she should wash her hands after the bathroom...or if she cant be bothered to ...to leave your dishes alone!
belle, let us know how it goes. Its a tough and embarassing situation to be in. You would think everyone would know they need to wash their hands after a bathroom trip.
this will cause, more weight gain, if you worried.
so strategy is losing weight by simple steps
body metabolism is diff for us all.
main thing is calorie intake based on healthy and nutritious, low fat, sodium and sugar and carbs diet. more greens, fiber, select fruits, and lean meat, with required diary intake - cheese, eggs, milk. plenty of fresh water and regular exercise.
good sleep and stress management will help too.
