I have hurt my husband’s feelings. But really, it’s his fault. He used my toothbrush last night. And that is a big no-no in my book.
As I was getting ready for bed, I picked up my toothbrush and noticed it was wet. So I did what any normal person would do. I went fishing around for a new toothbrush. I was trying to be discreet, but he caught me. Asked what I was doing? Nothing, I replied, trying to spare his feelings.
You see, this has been a bone of contention for us many, many times before. I do not share straws. Or sip from the same can / bottle / cup as someone else. I do not share forks or spoons. Or even sporks. Don’t ask for a bite of my granola bar. Ask me for a piece, and I will break it off for you, thereby avoiding the ensuing gags that any of the preceding actions are certain to elicit from me.
But he persisted, so I relented. “I’m looking for a new toothbrush. You used mine. You know that flips me out. Don’t do it again.”*
The following argument is as you would expect: but you kiss me on my mouth. What’s the big deal?
I do not know. I do not know what the big deal is. It just is. I do not think that it’s normal that I should want to use something to clean my own mouth that someone else has used to clean their mouth. It’s not right. It’s just not right. Please, end this debate between my husband and me once and for all.
Is it normal to share a toothbrush?
*I suppose I should clarify the location of his toothbrush: it was not missing. It was in the cup. Next to mine. He was simply “confused” as to which color was his.
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It’s gross alright.
But, I’ve done it in extreme emergencies. And tried hard to not think about how bad his breath is in the morning.
I am with Meredith – I really don’t think twice about it. We have 4 toothbrushes anyway. 2 for the sink and 2 in the shower. I always brush during my morning shower….something I picked up in college when I lived with 5 other people and only one bathroom. (Get in and get out….do everything you can – while you can – it really does save time!)
Love your blog!! Have a wonderful day!!
We don’t share a toothbrush, but I have accidentally started to brush my teeth with his when I was half-asleep. I stopped, rinsed the brush, used mine and let him know. He didn’t seem to care. I figure that’s between him, his teeth and possibly his dentist. That said, I agree with whoever said that if this is a rule/standard in your house, then your hubby should respect that. You could ask him why it hurts his feelings (I assume because you otherwise share fluids – kissing, etc.), but maybe he has another reason and it would be good to at least hear him out even if you end up thinking he’s nuts.
An aside – love the blog – at least the little bit of I have read so far!
Ewe. I could not intentionally use my husband’s toothbrush, emergency circumstance or not. It happened by accident once and I promptly rinsed with SCOPE. Bla. I know how this goes…In our old house there was a window in the shower enclosure and I preferred it CLOSED for what I thought to be OBVIOUS reasons…HOWEVER, my HUSBAND liked to shower with it open…He didn’t mind the possibility of being seen by neighbors I guess – but I am much more private and we fought to no end about that stupid window. I just didn’t get why he couldn’t accept my opinion/perspective for the simple reason of it being IMPORTANT to me…We still can’t talk about that stupid window…
You are most definitely not crazy… I’m with you on the whole business of sharing things that go in your mouth. I do not, under any circumstances, share my toothbrush. Thankfully, my husband feels the same (I think…)
Unfortunately, I come from a family that *loves* to “try what you’re having” when at a restaurant. I am perfectly willing to allow people to carefully spear an item from my plate with their utensil, provided that they do not touch the remaining food on my plate. However, I *do not* sample food that someone else is currently eating. This has caused much consternation over the years with my sisters and my mother particularly. However, they now know that if they want me to try what they’re eating, it has to happen *before* they’ve taken a bite.
Now that’s crazy! *grin*
EEEEEEWWWWWWW! Toothbrush sharing is out. Yuck.
Everyone seems to be in one camp or the other on this one. But … I would say I’m in the middle. While it’s not a practice to do so, we (my hubby) and I are both guilty of this. And, though it doesn’t seem super sanitary to me, it’s better than the alternative. What I mean is – if we’re on a trip, and it’s the only option, I’ll do it. If we’re at home, probably not (plus, he uses a SonicCare and I use the old fashioned kind where you actually have to jiggle your arm a bit). I think SonicCares are weird.
Just wondering – you both were home, right? Where was HIS toothbrush during his time of need?
My husband and I share toothbrushes… but I can’t think about it. It is only when I start thinking about it that it grosses me out!
Hey Melissa!
I don’t want anyone thinking that I’m a gross freak or anything but, while I don’t make a practice of it, I don’t think twice if I need to use my husband’s toothbrush and visa versa. I figure – it’s cleaned after it’s used with hot water so it’s really not that bad. For me…anyways. =) But if it’s your thing and it’s clearly known within the household – then it should be respected.
Had your hubby’s toothbrush gone missing?
hehehe…
=)
I was thinking that I would say something like, “maybe, under extreme, emergency circumstances”, but then I really thought about it and I couldn’t stomach it. I do not necessarily mind the sharing of chapstick or spoons/straws with my husband, however. This seems different, though to me….
I have to side with you, without hesitation, toothbrush sharing is gross. Who would want to do that? Not even on a deserted island…