Dear Prudie,
My live-in boyfriend spent some of his formative years abroad and came to swear by the bidet. He claims it is more hygienic and feels better than using toilet paper. The problem is that he has been unable to kick his reliance on this method. Needless to say, there are few bidets available to him in the States. He has thus taken matters into his own hands. His preferred method of cleaning is to wipe once or twice and then to hop up onto the sink and clean out there, using water, soap, and his hand. While this grossed me out at first, we have agreed that this is OK in our bathroom as long as he cleans the sink and his hands afterward. We differ, however, on what is acceptable outside of our home. If the sink is sturdy and private, he engages in this style of personal hygiene at the houses of our friends and family. I have told him that I think it is gross and inappropriate for him to use his makeshift method at other people's houses; he counters that that he makes sure to leave the bathroom clean for the next occupant. Please clean this up for us once and for all!