I’m not sure why, but I’m continuing on, somewhat, with my bathroom post…

I’m really not a scrooge… or a cynic… or even a clean freak (far from it); but I cannot seem to shake the need (desire) to fill in the rest of the world on everyday life in Ukraine. I’m sure it happens everywhere — but I’m here, and I’m telling you what it’s like here. And because I come from a relatively wealthy and clean environment, I find myself continually stunned about some hygiene habits. I’m sure that my professional training is contributing (consciously or subconsciously) to some of these thoughts… but nevertheless, I feel obliged to share them.

Moreover, I’d like to know whether or not other people think like me? God help them, if they do…

….

What do people think about sharing toothpaste tubes? Sure, sharing with your spouse, or even your kids goes without saying. But what about other people in your household. What about brother in laws, and their girlfriends that he brings over? What about your mother or father in law? What about the snot-nosed 8-yr old that licks the top of the tube?
Granted, there are many more important things in life to concern myself with – but this was on my mind, and it’s my blog.

The family has been sharing one tube of toothpaste (on the bathroom shelf). It gets gooey and gunky around the cap by the time it’s half gone (or half full – if you are a dedicated optimist). The goo or crusty paste isn’t inherently gross — but when I consider that BIL’s toothbrush dragged across the top of the tube not 10 minutes before I got to it, I stop, stare, and wonder if I really, really want to put that bit of toothpaste at the top of the tube (with bristle streaks still fresh) onto my toothbrush — and into my mouth.

So after 6 months, I was in the market yesterday and decided to get my own tube of Colgate. It was about 90 cents (USD). For peace of mind, and never having to think about it again — that is perhaps the best 90 cents I’ve ever spent.

I decided soon after I arrived in Kyiv that I would keep my mouthguard (my dentist said if I don’t get one, I’ll be chewing my food with “nubs” when I’m 60 — so I got one) and my toothbrush in my room. This was precipitated by the fact that all toothbrushes (6 or so) are left in a cup above our bathroom sink — all touching each other; which is nasty.

They all think I’m nuts, I’m sure. But I don’t care. Now I’m keeping my beautiful tube of Colgate in my room. My room (shared with my wife) is the only semi-personal space in the apartment. So, whenever I brush my teeth, I simply open my own tube, take a bit on my nice, clean toothbrush, and walk to the bathroom. My wife even thinks I’ve gone a bit overboard here.

Am I paranoid, freaky, silly, or ???