DEAR ABBY: “In the Dark in Texas” (May 27) was wondering about the correct way to tilt blinds. Light coming in through a window should not be the deciding factor for which way the blinds close. Privacy should be of highest importance.

After years of living in apartments, I have learned the direction of a blind’s slats should change depending on the location of the window.

If the window is on the ground floor, the blind should be closed slats up. Otherwise, people can see in from the floors above. This information is particularly useful in multistory neighborhoods and apartment complexes.

If, however, you are on an upper floor and the slats are up, anyone can see in from the ground floor. For that reason blinds on an upper floor should close slats down.

If you live in the middle, your best bet is curtains. — AZALIAH IN WASHINGTON STATE

DEAR AZALIAH: Readers’ views on this subject came from varying perspectives — privacy, light, heat, etc. But the general consensus was the same. Read on:

DEAR ABBY: “In the Dark” asked whether blinds should be closed with the slats up or down. As you said, it’s a matter of personal preference. However, as a former apartment manager, I can say from experience that closing them with the slats in a downward position will allow in enough sunlight to fade carpets, furniture and drapes. I close mine with the slats up — for privacy and to prevent the fading of items near the window. — FORMER APARTMENT MANAGER IN TEXAS

DEAR ABBY: My husband had a window treatment store years ago and this is what we learned: If you are upstairs, the slats go down. If you are downstairs, they go up. To check this out, after dark with the lights on inside, go outside and look inside. You will be able to see clearly what is going on in the house. Follow this rule to keep Peeping Toms at bay. — SHANNON IN OLYMPIA, WASH.

DEAR ABBY: It is common knowledge (I thought) that slats tilted up deflect both heat and light. Blinds tilted down let light in from above as well as heat in the summer and cold in the winter.

Like toilet paper rolls, toothpaste tube squeezing and thermostat setting, this is yet another bone of contention in marriage. — COOLING DOWN IN SOUTH CAROLINA

DEAR ABBY: Dust and clothing have started to build up in my bedroom. I have told my mom and she doesn’t do anything about it, and I’m tired of telling her! The mess makes it hard to live in. I think she does not love me since she will not do anything about the mess. What should I do? — UNLOVED GIRL IN SPOKANE, WASH.

DEAR UNLOVED GIRL: Your mother does love you. What she’s doing is trying to teach you how to be independent. The first thing you should do is pick up the clothes that are lying around in your bedroom. Any items that are soiled should go into the hamper to be washed. The rest should be hung up or folded and put away. Once that’s done you will need to clean any surfaces that are dusty, including under the bed. If you don’t know how, ask your mother to show you.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Write Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

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