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OH takes a terribly long time in the shower.... I mean easily up to 40 mins....

He has been trying to get better but really struggles. We have no hot water (and sub-standard heating), the shower is electric so perhaps you can imagine how lovely it is to stand in warm water. Also the need to shave in the shower as 'no hot water' makes it messy to do so at the sink.

Thing is, he has mild OCD (undiagnosed and we find ways around it usually... it is increased at times of stress... ) which means that everything needs be done in the right order - Hair, body, shave, rinse.... but he finishes shaving and can't remember if he did his hair, so he does it again.... I can only imagine the pattern repeats itself several times over before he decides he is done.

So what I need is 5/10 minute clock with allocated times for each 'stage' any ideas of how I can make one, or where I can get one from? preferably a clock-face rather than digital style.
I suggested the kitchen timer but he says he would need 3 set at different intervals to tell him to move to the next thing.... I also suggested that he concentrate but that suggestion didn't even get a response....

And please.... no lewd comments about what he is up to in there

I think that's a brilliant idea, richie. It encourages "chaining" - a behavioural technique which helps to put things in order, or, like for your OH Ann, put limits on the chain of events.

I think stairway to heaven is a bit long though - even for someone with long hair like you!

Personally I think some punk songs would be great, no more than 2-3 minutes long each. Maybe choose something a little slower for the shaving section though

'Singing in the rain' for the shower bit surely?

I'm sure we can come up with some suitable songs for shaving, hair washing ('I'm gonna wash that man right out of my hair' from (is it?) South Pacific), etc.

What a great idea I'll try it tonight Last night he managed a speedy 18mins.... but still too long.... considering I take 10 and that is with longer hair and more surface area to shave

Hi anne how about, "Hurry up harry we're going down the pub " i think it was by sham 69 when your oh is doing his hair

Close shave by John Kirby and his orchestra. 2min 33 secs

Lather, rinse, repeat by Jono Manson 3 min 19 secs

mamos

This really made me smile.

Ann, does your shower head reach to the sink? You could use it to provide hot water so that he doesn't have to shave in the shower.

Zoe

If its anything like ours all you have to do is turn the hot tap on downstairs- the water upstairs goes cold!

Well.... because of our massive building project the only sink we have is the kitchen sink and, though the shower is technically in the same room (I know... weird) no it won't reach the sink... and that is all downstairs in, what used to be the dining room.

Welcome to my world

The song idea has been given the thumbs up by OH.... but he hasn't actually done it yet.

One day all our hot water will be solar heated or heated off of the wood burner, and our shower room will be en-suite, and our house will be properly heated... I won't mind quite so much, but electric showers are pricey to run.

He could always dance in the shower to "Rain"..... Status Quo, but on a more serious note, if you do fit a timer into the electric supply to the shower, make sure that it's capable of taking the current ( approx 30 amp)

SusieGee wrote: Edit: dammit don't know why the link doesn't work, just try googling Efergy shower timer!

You didn't get the full URL. Here is the one you want:
http://www.home4eco.com/index.php/gadge ... timer.html

Thanks guys... I'll show it to the OH.