Messy Embarrassment
Dear Ali,
My house is such a disgusting mess all the time. My family is really messy. I'm totally embarrassed to have my friends over. I'm afraid they will tell everyone at my school. They already think something is wrong at my house because I haven't had anyone over yet. What can I do?
—Neat Girl
Wow, that's a tough one! Try having a serious talk with your family to let them know how important this is to you—but handle the situation with some tact! Don't accuse them of being slobs! Instead, tell them you're uncomfortable with having people over when the house is messy, and suggest a family clean-up day. If they know this means a lot to you and you volunteer to do some of the work, you should get the results you want. If not, you'll simply have to take matters into your own hands and clean, clean, clean! I really hope it works out—let me know, OK?
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