DEAR ABBY: I hope you can settle an argument my wife and I are having. We recently went away for a long weekend. While we were away, we let my wife's sister and brother-in-law use our house because they were visiting our city that same weekend.
I like my in-laws very much and had no problem with their staying in our home. However, before we left, I locked my desk, which contains personal and financial papers.
My wife says this was a personal insult to her and her family because my actions implied that I thought they might snoop or they couldn't be trusted alone in our house. I say I have the right to lock up personal papers without owing anyone an explanation. In any event, the only way my in-laws would have discovered that the desk was locked was if they tried to open it, which they shouldn't have.
Your thoughts, please. -- SECRETS IN SAN ANTONIO
DEAR SECRETS: I see nothing wrong with locking up personal items or papers if you are having houseguests. A host has the right to keep certain things private, and a desire for privacy should not be interpreted as a lack of trust or an insult. You were generous to have shared your home. You should not be required to share personal and financial information as well.