It's really quite simple. Don't make this harder than necessary.
Similar to training a dog, ok? When you train a dog, you do the same
thing over and over till they understand.
With an xyl, what you do is this:
You bring home a boatanchor borrowed from a friend. She will say,
"What is that?" You say, "Oh it's an old radio I am fixing for my buddy,
Joe."
Then, (and this is the extremely important part) you MAKE SURE SHE SEES
YOU TAKE THE BOATANCHOR BACK OUT OF THE BASEMENT A FEW DAYS LATER.
It might be most effective if you do it during dinner hour, right through the
kitchen.
Repeat the above a few times.
I guarantee, after 3 iterations, she won't ever ask again.

Rick K2XT