how to use bother

[kwfine]

Dear teachers,

Here are two example sentences that I really need your help to clarify:

(1):
Why don't you bother to take a bath?
(Should the receiver take or not take a bath?)
(2):
Why did you bother to call her?
(She should call or should not call?)

Thank you

Kitty.

[Raymott]

Dear teachers,

Here are two example sentences that I really need your help to clarify:

(1):
Why don't you bother to take a bath?
(Should the receiver take or not take a bath?)
He should, if he cares what the asker thinks.
It means "Why don't you take the trouble to have a bath occasionally; you stink!"

(2):
Why did you bother to call her? = Past Tense
(She should call or should not call?)
She has already called. The questioner is asking her why she bothered.

Thank you

Kitty.

R

[mmasny]

(She should call or should not call?)

Maybe you wanted to ask if she should have called?

[kwfine]

Thanks, Raymott, and mmasny