Icky or Not so Icky?
Based on todays Dear Abby:
I need an unbiased opinion. I am the father of a 12-year-old daughter, "Lia." She catches an early morning bus for school, and I leave for work at the same time her bus picks her up, so I'm in charge of getting her ready in the morning.
Although we have two bathrooms -- one upstairs and one down -- neither of us wants to use the downstairs bathroom to get ready. All our stuff is upstairs.When I wake Lia up each morning, she heads into the shower and I go feed the dog. I then go into the bathroom and shave while she's in the shower. While I'm shaving we discuss sports and life in general. When I'm finished, I leave until she's done showering and goes back into her room. I then take my shower.Is this wrong? Lia's mother thinks it's inappropriate for me to be in the bathroom at all while she's taking a shower. I think it is efficient because neither of us is willing to use the other bathroom, and I find it's a good time to find out what's going on in her life. Who's right?
Whats your opinion Booj-"omg this is horrible!" or "whats the big deal?"? What if there were only one bathroom instead of two? What if she were older/younger? How does getting ready for work/school go in the morning at your home?
Abby's response: Your wife is correct. It's not a matter of "right or wrong." It's a matter of what is appropriate. At 12, your daughter is becoming a young woman. Either you or Lia needs to start using the downstairs bathroom. If you can't agree on who that will be, then draw straws. You can bond with her over breakfast.
Personally, I dont see a problem with this if they are both comfortable. He gives her time to get out of the shower and get dressed alone, and the entire time he is in there she's behind-what I must assume is not a clear one-a shower curtain hidden from view. We only have one bathroom, and anywhere from 4-6 people in the house so you're lucky if you get to shower without an interruption. If the daughter were uncomfortable, then it would be time for a change, but as it is, I think the mom's being a bit prudish. Or maybe living like a modern hippie for so long has warped my sense of whats icky and whats not.