I got lice from my toddler (who goes to preschool) and now I am traumatized. I worry constantly about getting it again, and I get nervous anytime my scalp itches. I check my head several times a day, even though I never find anything. The issue is, I recently became friends with an elementary school teacher who is the "huggiest" person I have ever met. She hugs her students and always hugs me. I am worried she will get lice from the kids and give it to me. How can I politely ask her not to hug me without ruining our new friendship?
2006-09-22 16:10:39 · 19 answers · asked by advicemom 4 in Social Science ➔ Other - Social Science
I totally understand your paranoia...lice can do that to a person! But...it sounds like you are overreacting a bit. Forget about the lice thing and embrace your friend...in a few months you won't even think about it. I don't think there's any way to tell her not to hug you that won't hurt her feelings on some level, even if she acts fine at the time. I know it would hurt mine...put yourself in her shoes, it's kind of cruel to look at her as a potential lice carrier, instead of a person who chose a career to help children.
2006-09-22 16:20:54 · answer #1 · answered by qamberq 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
first of all research lice. there are many great websites about them. Lice don't have hind legs so they can' "jump" form person to person. they can't live more than 24 hours without a human host. the chances of getting lice from a hug are not very good. it is more common that you will get lice when they fall off a hat, or from sharing things such as comb, bushes and the like.
How do I now this because my daughter went though what they thought Way a bought of lice(turned out to be severe dandruff the nurse was wrong) and the nurse had us in a tissy. I did a complete research on lice. They die after 3hours in a deep freezer and after 20minutes in a drier.
It you wish not to be hugged simply as not to be hugged but not because of a fear of lice just becaue you are not a huggy person most people understand that.
(mom of 4 ages14,13,11, and5)
2006-09-22 23:18:04 · answer #2 · answered by no 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The fact that you got lice as an adult is not exactly a common occurance, even if your children do get it from time to time. Lice have a very hard time harboring in oily hair which is more typical in adults rather than children.
If you are becoming closer friends, maybe you have metioned to her your dillemma in a previous conversation. If not you could always just ask her about the epidemic in general, and whether or not she feels she is at risk, and if she takes any precautions against it.
At the very least this will make her more aware of her actions at school with the more succeptable children.
2006-09-22 23:17:59 · answer #3 · answered by neon49 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
By being honest.. take her to lunch and tell her your fears about the lice issues . Being a teacher and most likely a mom too she'll understand your feelings about the hugging . she also can educate you on lice and you both will have a good laugh "o}
2006-09-22 23:29:22 · answer #4 · answered by ms. cat 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't blame you, my son just went to pre-school and I'm scared that hes going to come home with lice and give it to all of us. I would just tell her the truth say I like you and I think you are a very good and caring teacher but I'm not really comfortable being hugged. Or if you are comfortable with the truth,truth tell her its because of the lice situation.
2006-09-22 23:22:17 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think she should stop hugging u because you have a fear of lice. I think you should stop worrying so much because this isn't going to be the only situation you have to face that has to do w/lice issues...And..what if you get lice again..get rid of it again..I know it's a long process but it won't kill you. Toughen up Buttercup...
2006-09-22 23:16:29 · answer #6 · answered by Tootsie 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I totally get you. When I was in hair school, we learned about lice. I went so crazy over it, I was always looking in my hair. I had to go to the pharmacy and buy the shampoo and wash with before I could feel better. I know I didn't have it. The fact that you had it, I'm sorry. That must have been hell.
2006-09-22 23:20:47 · answer #7 · answered by Fleur de Lis 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Kids need hugs. Wash your hair as a precaution every day with Murphys Oil Soap. Just use it like regular shampoo...no need to let it stay on there..(it kills lice instantly) ...kill the lice...not the new friendship.
2006-09-22 23:14:31 · answer #8 · answered by rcpaden 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
just tell the teacher you have a cold or that your sick, every time you see her and after awhile she will stop trying to hug you because she will have politely gotten the hint.
as for the lice, just run a lice comb through your hair in the shower after you put conditioner on your hair, and rinse the comb after every comb through.
do this every time you take a shower. it works for me, and trust me I am as paranoid about lice as you are.
2006-09-23 02:58:21 · answer #9 · answered by badseed 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just tell her you're not a touchy feely person, and that hugs make you a bit uncomfortable. Throw in a little giggle and say, "I know I'm weird" She won't take offense, just don't mention lice.
I don't like being touched, and thats what I say, no one's ever offended.
2006-09-22 23:13:29 · answer #10 · answered by legallyblond2day 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋