Place wastebasket near germy Uncle

Dear Annie: My wife’s uncle had a laryngectomy a few years ago. He now breathes through the stoma in his throat and also discharges phlegm through it. He doesn’t cover the opening with mesh.

I hate to sound uncaring, but he constantly coughs into a tissue that he then lays on our countertops, dining room table or wherever else. This is not only unsanitary, but gross. When he leaves, we have to use antibacterial wipes on everything he touched.

If we were to say anything to him about this, he would be upset and probably not speak to us again. We are running out of excuses to avoid his visits and hope he reads your column and makes the connection. – Germ Concerned

Dear Germ: Someone who uses a tissue to expel anything should not leave it around, especially on a surface where food is served or where others have to dispose of it. This is simple courtesy. The next time your uncle visits, discreetly place a small wastebasket near him “for his convenience.”

Dear Annie: This is in response to “Disappointed in Ohio,” whose girls’ group was resentful when one of the women began to bring along her new husband.

I once belonged to such a group of retired women, which we named the “Silver Belles.” The time came when the husbands also retired, and sometimes, one of us would ask to bring our husband along. Instead of resenting it, we welcomed them and began to call our group the “Silver Belles and Beaus.” – Chatsworth, Calif.