DEAR SOMEONE ELSE’S MOM: I have sometimes been in public bathrooms at restaurants, theatres, etc., and seen people come out of their stall and walk out without washing their hands. I find this disgusting at the best of times, but with the heightened attention during the COVID-19 virus outbreak, I am more concerned than offended.

What can be done in a situation like this? --- A WORRIED READER

DEAR WORRIED READER: This is a real concern at any time, and an issue that’s not easily solved, particularly when there’s a lot of fear, uncertainty, misinformation, and authorities on all levels are instituting measures they feel are in the best interest for the general population.

I brought your specific concern to a very good friend, who is an experienced public health professional. He believes you have a valid concern, as it’s not yet known if the virus can be transmitted by contact with stool or urine. What is known at the time I’m writing this is that the main route of transmission is through sneezing and coughing, but it’s unclear if it can be spread through other forms of contact, or picked up from objects like faucets, doorknobs, and countertops.

Owners of public restrooms can’t force non-employees to properly wash their hands after going to the bathroom. But what should help is if public health agencies continue to strongly promote awareness in the community about always thoroughly washing your hands after a bathroom visit and frequently throughout the day. It’s a time-proven and simple measure to help curtail the spread of many contagious diseases, and is especially critical during a pandemic.

My friend also urges the reminder that with COVID-19, covering your coughs and sneezes, getting tested if you’re feeling ill, and following all guidelines established by public health authorities are all vitally important.

I wish you and all my readers and their loved ones good health.

DEAR SOMEONE ELSE’S MOM: My boyfriend asked me if he could start being part of the family movie night I’ve had with my kids (ages 5 and 7) since right after their dad and I divorced. My ex usually has them on Saturdays, so this has been a nice way to have chill time for me and my boys.

My boyfriend is big into action movies. We’re not just talking Avengers and Transformers. He goes for rougher stuff, with a lot of language and what I consider too graphic violence. Last time, he came over with a Quentin Tarantino movie and I drew the line. He doesn’t see anything wrong with these types of movies because he reasons that boys love this stuff. If my kids were older, maybe, but don’t you think I’m right when I ask him to keep things at the most PG-13? --- PROTECTING MY BOYS

DEAR PROTECTING MY BOYS: I’m absolutely with you on this one. These are your kids, and it’s up to you to set standards for what you consider appropriate for them to watch. There are plenty of PG-13 action movies out there that are fine for younger children.

I’d still advise some vigilance. The PG-13 rating can be stretched to the very edge of R, as you probably already know.

DEAR SOMEONE ELSE’S MOM: I know people love to start these letters with how much they love their in-laws, and then here comes the “but.” I’m going to dive in and say my mother-in-law is a major PIA, has always been, and will always be.

My wife and I will set a room up in our own house the way we want it, and when my MIL comes to visit, she’ll tell us how wrong it is and make us change it. I’ve always thought my wife is a little afraid of her mom, so she does just about everything she’s told to do by her.

Even if I can’t stand her mother, I do love my wife and want to make her happy, but I’m about to boil over if her mother plays boss of our home one more time.

How do I warn my wife without making her miserable that I’m about to go to war with her mother? --- THE BAD SON-IN-LAW

DEAR THE BAD SON-IN-LAW: If you never push back, your mother-in-law will likely continue to believe you agree with her ideas.

Your home belongs to your wife and you, and it should be made to your order. But you need to be sure your wife feels this way too. She may have more confidence in her mother’s choices than her own, and that makes you the odd man out. The only way you’ll know for sure is to tell your wife how you’re feeling. Your continued resentment isn’t going to do anyone any good. If you have your wife in your corner, it may be time to let your mother-in-law know you two are happy with how you arrange things. You don’t need to go to war or even make it a nasty moment, and you don’t want to put your wife in a “it’s either him or me” position with her mother. Hopefully, your unified, firm but gentle insistence that you want things left alone may put her nose out of joint for a bit, but at least it’ll also give her the idea you guys are more than ready, willing, and able to take charge of your home — if that is indeed the case.