The Only Time it’s Okay to Talk in the Bathroom?
The other day, just as I was about to leave the bathroom, somebody entered. Since the door swung inwards, the individual held it open for me to facilitate my departure. Instinctively, I said “thank you”.
Did I just break one of the cardinal rules of men’s bathroom etiquette? Strictly speaking, yes – I spoke in the bathroom. However, occasionally there are situations whose rules supersede those of bathroom etiquette. In this case common courtesy dictated I say thank you, even though bathroom etiquette dictated I keep my mouth shut.
Common courtesy is more important than bathroom etiquette, and so there you have it – one of the rare occasions for a man where talking in the bathroom is acceptable! Don’t get carried away though! A simple thank you suffices…
4 comments
There are exceptions to the rule. For instance, if you walk into the bathroom and there’s a bunch of guys waiting their turn, you can say “Take a number, huh!?”
And of course if your stall runs out of TP, you can ask for some from another stall.
Actually, proper etiquette would dictate you checked the stall for an adequate supply of TP before sitting down.
You can talk about sports at the urinal. Must keep face forward.
@DarcKilo – Nope! Just because it’s about sports doesn’t make it right.
Certain exceptions might be made for sporting venues or situations where you know everybody is watching the game (sports bar, world cup finals or something), but generally keep your mouth shut.
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