How can you get someone to close the shower curtain?

Question

He's mid-40's, we've been together 8 years. I've tried b!tching or making a joke about it (mold experiment). Lately Ive just stopped closing it for him & he's not getting how gross it is, all stuck together. I really want to buy a new one, but not until we can straighten this out.

Answer 1

Have you asked him why he doesn't close it?  Maybe, just maybe he has his a theory on why it should be open.

My guess is he just forgets.   It is not part of his routine and if he doesn't see the mold slim issue it will be hard for him to remember on his own.

Try the following:

After ½ way into dinner (best time to bring up an issue) bring up the issue of the shower something like this:

(you say)

“I know I have bugged you about the show curtain and I was wondering if you had a reason for not closing it or if you just forget, since it’s just a shower curtain.”

(he will say, “I don’t know, I guess I just forget.”)

(you could say)

“I’m glad you just forget, I was wonder if there was something else wrong with us.”

(Or you can just skip that part and go with..)

“Can I put some kind of reminder in the bathroom until it becomes a new habit?”

(he will say, “I guess” or “if that will get you off my back” depending on how annoying you have been)

Answer 2

I wish I knew.  I have had zero luck with this issue too.  But I will be watching for the answer.  

Answer 3

Use cheap shower curtain liners (at WalMart they're under $3), keep your mouth shut and just change it out every couple of weeks.  The only "down" side is that they smell "chemically" for a few days once you hang them, but it's worth not having to nag and deal with his "forgetfulness" (I really want to say passive-aggressive-c**p but decided to give him the benefit of the doubt!).

I realize that you probably don't want to "give" on this one, but sometimes you just have to pick your battles!  ;)

Answer 4

Make him clean it every time it gets moldy...

Answer 5

There is more here than just a shower curtain. Set down and let him know how much this is important to you. Small things matter in a relationship. If he still cannot hear you, you obviously have deeper problems than just a shower curtain.

Answer 6

After 15+ years I've realized it's impossible!  But since it is a room I'm in often enough, I just keep doing it.  I still mention it (bitching or joking).  I'm just wasting my breath!  But at least he does put the seat down.  Or maybe get one of those hanging shower cleaners - I think it's made by scrubbing bubbles, and see if he'll use that after he showers.  New gadgets sometimes work.

Answer 7

i charged John a quarter every time he leaves it open... i also made it a point in saying  that mold a mildew  causes  spores in the air  which will bother asthma and allergies..

Answer 8

Beg him to close the curtain...