It's understandable that you're facing an issue with your clothes smelling musty when dried outside and how it's affecting your social interactions. However, forcing your father to change his behavior might not be the best approach. Instead, consider having an open and respectful conversation with him to find a solution that works for both of you. Here are some steps to help you address the situation:
Choose the right time and setting: Find a time when both you and your father are calm and not rushed. Choose a private and comfortable setting for the conversation.
Express your feelings: Be honest with your father about how the musty smell on your clothes is affecting you socially. Let him know that it's causing discomfort and impacting your confidence at school.
Understand his perspective: Listen to your father's reasoning for drying the clothes outside. He mentioned that it's cheaper, and understanding his financial concerns may help you find common ground.
Offer alternatives: Suggest compromises that could work for both of you. For example, you could propose rotating between drying clothes outside and using the dryer, or you could suggest using the dryer only for certain types of clothing that are more sensitive to odors.
Show the cost difference: If you have the information available, you could present the actual cost difference between using the dryer and drying clothes outside. Sometimes, the difference may be negligible, and this might help your father see the bigger picture.
Demonstrate the issue: Wash a few of your clothes and intentionally dry some outside, while others you dry in the dryer. Allow your father to compare the smell and condition of the clothes to demonstrate the difference.
Seek a compromise: If your father is adamant about the cost savings, offer to contribute to the electricity bill or help with other household tasks to offset the dryer's usage.
Suggest air-drying indoors: If using the dryer is not an option, propose setting up an indoor clothes drying rack or using a well-ventilated area indoors to avoid the musty smell while still saving on energy costs.
Be patient: Change might not happen overnight, so be patient and understanding. Keep the lines of communication open and continue discussing the issue respectfully.
Remember that maintaining a positive and respectful relationship with your father is essential throughout this process. If he remains firm about drying the clothes outside, consider looking for other ways to deal with the musty smell, such as using fabric fresheners or airing out your clothes indoors for a short time before wearing them.