Letters to the Editor
-
from the other end
Last summer, I had a friend who said I could use her beautiful new pool. I didn't even have to call first, I could just come over and use it. Even when no one was home. I have to admit, during one of the heat waves, I was really tempted. I don't have a pool, and the ponds around here are kind of grungy to swim in, plus they have snapping turtles. I didn't go over, but I had moments where I thought I should.
I have to admit when I was a kid, I shamelessly freeloaded when it came to a neighbor's pool. He always gave his kid and his friends all free food, too. Looking back, he strikes me as a saint.
Kids don't understand when they're imposing, and apparently, some adults don't either. I think in this case, Miss Manners would advocate being assertive, only in a more cutesy way than Cary. By the way, I once heard about a dye that will turn red if someone urinates in your pool. Perhaps a little embarassment would do the trick.
No really, be honest with your husband. There's a big difference between being aggressive and being assertive. Some people just need to be told straight out that their behavior is unacceptable.