DEAR HARRIETTE: I share a bathroom with my grandmother, and she tends to be in the bathroom when I really need to use it. Sometimes this results in my being late for work, and no matter what I do, I can’t seem to find a solution due to her being irrational. How can I resolve this issue? -- Bathroom Politics
DEAR BATHROOM POLITICS: Your grandmother is trying to get your attention. What you may want to do is figure out ways in which you can spend a bit more time with her during the day or evening that is special for the two of you. I bet if she feels that you are making her a priority, she may lighten up on her control over the bathroom.
Specific to the bathroom, consider taking your showers at night so that you need less time in the bathroom in the morning. Get up an hour or more earlier than usual and quietly go into the bathroom. Do what you have to do and get out of there in a timely manner so that your grandmother doesn’t feel that you are taking up her time. Adopt a positive attitude rather than one of disdain or irritation. That you have your grandmother is a blessing, even if she can be annoying at times. Show her love and notice if she softens a bit.
(Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)