Dear Annie: I lied about washing my hands

Dear Annie: I hope this doesn’t sound ridiculous, but it’s bothered me for years!

Many years ago, my aunt and her husband visited me. I knew this man didn’t care for me, so I hurried through a trip to the bathroom to avoid giving him time to say something rude while I was gone. When I came out, my aunt asked if I’d washed my hands. I usually do, but this time, I didn’t. I lied and said yes. She called me a liar, loudly and in front of her husband. I was embarrassed and haven’t seen her since.

I regret lying, and I never got to explain why I said what I did. She’s had strained relationships with her own kids over the years, often because of the men she’s seeing, so I guess I’m not the only one she’s distanced herself from. But I do miss her.

I shower daily and am a very clean person. Wa