Restroom Etiquette

Restroom etiquette is a subject near and dear to my heart. Yes, I know it's kind of an odd subject to be passionate about, but too often people are ignorant of proper bathroom behavior.

Here's the layout of the restroom at my office (courtesy of MS Paint):



I've taken the liberty to label the stalls in order of proper use. Here are the required restroom etiquette rules:

- No. 1 is the restroom closest to the sinks. It is to be used first in deference to any possible handicap person that may need to use the large stall (if you prefer to disregard the needs of the handicapable of our society, feel free to switch numbers 1 and 2). Using restroom No. 1 first allows the next person to have a one-stall barrier between themselves and you. THIS IS ALWAYS PREFERABLE. I cannot stress that enough. Whenever possible, have a one-stall buffer between yourself and anyone else.

- NEVER USE THE MIDDLE STALL FIRST. This is also a must. If you enter the middle stall first, you require the next person in the restroom to use a stall next to you, instead of having the option to have a one-stall barrier. It is very rude to take the middle stall first.

- NEVER TALK TO ANYONE. This rule is slightly breakable if you are very good friends with the other person in the restroom, but it's only to be broken if you are the only people in the restroom. Otherwise, you may say a quick hello if you happen to wash hands at the same time.

Here is how a recent restroom experience broke all those rules:

I walked into the restroom slightly before another woman who works in another office in our building. She said hi and I greeted her back, then moved to enter Stall No. 1. She then asked me how I was doing. I said a quick "pretty well" before closing the stall door. She then entered Stall No. 3, completely disregarding bathroom etiquette rules of at least a one-stall buffer whenever possible. She then continued to talk to me while we were both in stalls! I don't even know how people think this is appropriate. I don't know her, I don't care about her day, especially not enough to discuss it while doing personal business. She continued to talk until we both parted ways in the hallway to our respective offices. She broke all the rules and is forever on my "Do Not Like" list. Avoid copying her horrible manners and, though I can't guarantee you won't make the list for another reason, you at least won't make it due to bad restroom etiquette.

Next week I will give you a primer on proper parking. See you then!