Question:

        Dear CAKE,

        My husband and I have been married for 4 years. He has this habit of digging through dumpsters and bringing home items that other people have thrown away. Sometimes he brings home things that were in the dumpster for good reason. While I don't mind that he does the diving, how do I get him to be more selective with the items he brings home?

        Mary Anne

Answer:

        Dear Mary Anne,
        You sound like a person of good reason. A dumpster diver such as your husband is fortunate to live with someone as understanding as yourself. Undoubtedly, you are able to communicate your concerns clearly without appearing to threaten your husband's way of life. The fact that you simply want your husband to be more "selective" is admirable.

        In addition to other benefits your husband is gleaning, dumpster diving is an environmental and socially conscious way of life.
        Remind your husband to take only what he needs and can realistically use. Tell him to remember that there are a lot of dumpster divers, and someone else might need or make better use of something that is just going to clutter your garage or house. Encourage him to give away some unnecessary treasures.

        To further show how awesomely sympathetic you are, warn him that he should hit the side of the dumpster a few times to warn its possible inhabitants (possums, raccoons, rats, squirrels) of his impending scavenging.

        Good Luck,

        CAKE