Dear Amy: Right after the Christmas holiday (when I had gone back to work) I got a call at work from my husband, “Brad,” who was home and not working for the week.

He told me that he had mentioned to his folks that he was going to try to go through his clothing and other possessions in order to reduce the clutter and basically clean up our small home.

While he was on the phone with me, he mentioned that his parents were currently at our house and that his dad was mopping the kitchen floor and his mom was in our bedroom, going through the closet.

I know I shouldn’t be upset about this, but I am. Our bedroom seems like it should be a private space. I also feel self-conscious about the fact that it was probably messier than I would have left it, if I’d known they would be there.

My husband does not understand why I got upset about this, and I’m seeking a gut-check from you.

– Messy MS

Dear Messy: As someone who tidies up for the twice-monthly cleaner, your account makes me cringe.

Yes, your bedroom should be a private space. And yes, you are justified in feeling embarrassed that your in-laws were invited in to go through possessions and mop the floor without your knowledge.

You can email Amy Dickinson at [email protected] or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068.