Any person that works outside of the home knows that it’s impossible to avoid using public restrooms. Despite the fact that we’re all forced to use them, however, most people don’t feel comfortable doing so. With that in mind, I’ve compiled a short list of tips to make using public restrooms less awkward for you and the people in there with you.
1. Ease the Tension. You’re not the only one who finds the situation awkward, so take every opportunity you can find to ease the tension of everyone else in the restroom with you. Is the guy at the urinal dealing with stage-fright? Give him a quick back rub. Does he seem nervous about the size of his penis? Let him know right off the bat: “Sir, you have an adequately sized penis.” It’s a small amount of effort, but it will go a long way toward lightening the mood.
2. Make Some Conversation. There seems to be an unspoken rule about talking too much in a public restroom. But why? As humans, we are verbal creatures that thrive on communication with one another. So don’t be afraid to start talking. Need help getting started? Be observant about what’s going on around you. “Hey, You in the stall: it smells like you had a burrito for lunch. Have you tried that new taco place on Halsted Road?” Or to the guy at the urinal, “I noticed you wincing while you peed. Burning urine could be a sign of syphilis, you know…”
3. Be Helpful. True community is about helping each other, and a public restroom should be a reflection of that. If a guy is ready to wash his hands, get in there and help him lather up. Is there a chance that the toilet paper has run out in one of the occupied stalls? You’ll never know unless you peek your head under the stall to check.
4. Be Considerate. While your bathroom at home provides “alone” time, there is no such thing in a public restroom. Thus, you need to be considerate of other people’s wants and needs. Are you in the restroom with a germaphobe? Show him that you care–when you walk up to the sink, don’t just wash your hands; drop your pants and wash everything. Are you in the handicap stall when a handicapped person enters the restroom? Be considerate, and get out of there as fast as possible. Don’t waste time pulling up your pants or wiping; just get to the next available stall as soon as possible.
Public restrooms are rarely a good time. I think you’ll find, however, that they are a whole lot less awkward when you follow these simple tips.
