GETTING BLAMED FOR CLOGGED TOILET STINKS

Dear Harlan,

I live in a house with seven other people. We recently had a bathroom clog/leak incident. For some reason, everyone in the house blamed me. I am very honest, so if it was me, I would admit to it. But they made it awkward and a big deal. I think it was an excuse to use to go against me, but the whole situation makes me uncomfortable in my house. It's not fair, because it's my house too. It is a stupid reason to get mad at me even if it did happen because of me. Anyway, because of this I'm starting to feel paranoid - like I am under a microscope and that they are constantly judging me and my every move. On the one hand, I don't care what they think because I don't even like them. At the same time, I don't want to feel uncomfortable since I'm going to live there all year. It just seems unfair, especially since I am a good person and I try to make people happy.

Plugged Up

Dear Plugged Up,

Know why they do this? The guy who defends himself when accused of clogging the toilet is the most fun to accuse of clogging the toilet. I've been that guy. Wear this as a badge of honor. The more defensive you get, the more fun for the seven guys. Before you know it, they'll be planting a case of Metamusil in your closet and posting a picture of you in the bathroom with a plunger under it. How about this? Ignore it. You sound so busy looking to make everyone happy that you're just making yourself miserable and paranoid. Avoid flushing tissue, socks and sanitary napkins down the toilet and give them permission to accuse you of clogging the toilet. This is what happens when you live in a house with seven guys. It's fun to bond at your expense. Soon it will be someone else's turn.