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Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

You're really not doing anyone any favours by offering sex at door

By: Miss Lonelyhearts

Posted: 09/5/2012 1:00 AM | Comments: 0

DEAR MISS LONELYHEARTS: This is in regard to "Should I Accelerate?" the woman who waits for her mailman and wants to seduce him. I have been in the service industry for 30 years and have had many doors answered by scantily clad or naked women (as well as men). What a lot of people don''t understand is this: If the situation was taken advantage of and did not go well I could lose my job, or worse yet, be charged with sexual harassment or rape. As much as a lot of service personnel would like to take advantage of these situations, it's not worth it. -- Been On the Other Side.

Dear Other Side: Some people, especially women, seem to think they'd be doing the cable guy, electrician or meter reader a favour by offering their favours. They don't realize it's a nuisance situation at best, and a threatening situation for you at worst. People who are trying to seduce service workers need to be brought up short at the very beginning. Mentioning one's adorable mate -- whether he or she exists or not -- is a good way to defuse the less aggressive types. And, if someone opens the door half-dressed, or takes a shower (that old trick) and walks around in a towel, tell him/her firmly you'll take a little break outside until they're dressed.

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: I'm a 19-year-old who currently lives at home with my dad. My problem is he's usually travelling for work and only comes home here and there. While he's gone, there are people coming and going from the house, taking advantage. For example, my dad's girlfriend will show up anytime she pleases to do laundry, using all of my laundry detergent, and upon leaving, will help herself to toilet paper, or even food to take with her. My younger brother will also show up unannounced with his girlfriend and stay for as long as they desire, eating the food I buy. They have big appetites. They contribute nothing, eat and leave a mess. This is stressing me out. I can't afford to feed two other people. Even when I shop for only myself, I come home to all my food gone. I'm at my wit's end and I'm considering starting to look for an apartment, even though my dad is set on me living at home. Any advice? -- Being Used, Winnipeg

Dear Used: Have you complained to your father -- REALLY complained, demanding changes? If he isn't laying down the law, it's time to get an apartment. Living at home may be cheaper, but your situation is stressful and demeaning. Dad should have laid down the law with his girlfriend -- your home is not the laudromat or convenience store -- and with your brother, who already has another place to live. He and his girlfriend are there to sponge in the nicer residence. So, look for a good friend or two and set up your first apartment this fall. You are old enough. in fact, you will probably enjoy it a lot. Since Dad is not there to protect you from the leeches, you'd be better off with a friend. Have some fun living together. Make sure your friends are more considerate than the gang at your house presently, or rent a little studio by yourself. That can be fun, too, especially if you have good friends and/or a sweetheart to visit frequently.

Email problems for Miss Lonelyhearts to lovecoach@hotmail.com

or send letters to 1355 Mountain Ave. R2X 3B6

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition September 5, 2012 C4

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