Personally, if I never had to use a public bathroom ever again, I’d be a happy camper. Now, I don’t consider myself to be a pampered princess by any means, but I loathe the lack of etiquette and basic cleanliness standards that you encounter in so many public restrooms. We may moan about men leaving the toilet seat up at home, but some ladies are 10 times worse!
To help us all on our best bathroom behavior, follow these codes of conduct—please!
-Clean up after yourself. Leave the bathroom in the condition you’d like to find it. Flush. Wipe the seat if necessary. Throw your garbage away. Wipe the counters with a paper towel if you’ve splashed too much water.
-Warn others if supplies are low. Remember the “Seinfeld” episode where Elaine is disgusted that Jerry’s new girlfriend won’t loan her some toilet paper? I say the person who exits a stall knowing that a) the toilet doesn’t flush or b) the stall is out of toilet paper and fails to notify the person entering the stall after them is just as bad. Speak up so they have a chance to grab some paper towels before it’s too late.
-Don’t hog the mirrors. Need to touch up your lipstick? Fine. But blocking the sink or mirror when other women are trying to get through to wash their hands (which, I’m afraid, takes priority over your primping) is selfish. Step aside and wait ‘til there’s more room, or use a compact if you have to.
-Don’t talk on your cell phone or carry on conversations in the stall. This is just gross. Nobody wants to talk to you while you’re doing your business. Simply excuse yourself and call them back. And if you’re in the bathroom with a pal, avoid shouting over the stalls—it’s so inappropriate!
-Practice good shower etiquette. I once went to a yoga studio with a small locker room shower that could only fit a few people. Unfortunately, two women couldn’t resist chatting incessantly while casually lathering up. You’d have thought they were at a day spa. Meanwhile, a dozen people were waiting to use the shower. The two women didn’t even notice until someone pointed out the line and even then they took their time. The lesson: Save your lengthy pampering for your own bathroom. Otherwise, get in and get out.