Dear Annie: My sister and her husband have some habits that really turn me off when I visit. They leave dirty pots and pans on the stove for weeks. They allow used dishes, cups and utensils to pile up in the sink until it is overflowing. They have a dishwasher, but say it doesn't clean the pots very well.
親愛的安妮:上次去妹妹家做客,她和妹夫的一些生活習慣真的讓我不敢茍同。他們把臟壺,臟鍋扔在爐灶上,幾個星期不洗。把用過的盤子,杯子,器皿堆在洗碗池里,直到堆滿為止。他們有一個洗碗機,據說用它洗不干凈碗。
When their kitchen trash can is full, it is pulled out from its spot and placed in the middle of the floor. From there, it becomes a trial of wills to see who will give in and take the trash out.
廚房垃圾桶滿了,就把它從原地挪到屋子中間。在這里會上演一場意志力的比拼,看誰會屈服,把垃圾倒掉。
They apparently do not care about the health issues of all their bad habits. It is not like they are pressed for time to get these things done, as both are retired.
很明顯他們不關心壞習慣給健康帶來的問題。因為兩人都退休在家,不可能因為趕時間而不做家務。
If anything is mentioned to them about the dirty dishes or overflowing garbage, they get angry and defensive. Other than not visiting or eating out every night, what do I do? - Disgusted in California
如果當面提到臟盤子,或者堆積的垃圾,他們就會生氣,開始為自己辯解。除了不去拜訪,或者晚上出去吃飯之外,我還可以怎么做呢?
Dear Disgusted: Your sister and her husband seem to be content with their level of cleanliness. Consider staying at a motel, or buy groceries and cook your own meals. If you are close enough to be an overnight guest, you should also pitch in and help by washing a few dishes and emptying the overflowing garbage.
你的妹妹,妹夫似乎很滿意他們的衛生水平。你可以考慮住汽車旅館,或者自己買菜做飯。如果你們關系足夠親密,會留宿的話,你應該盡量幫忙洗盤子倒垃圾。