A while back I suggested that books be shrunken down to a smaller, bathroom-friendly size. But now, I’m not so sure if that’s a good idea.
Last week at the office, I was walking by the restrooms as someone came out of the women’s bathroom, complete with a book and her glasses in her hands. And it kind of freaked me out. There’ve also been occasions when I’ve heard people on cell phones while on the can (lots of times), and heard the rustling of newspapers too.
I realize that people read in the bathroom. I read in the bathroom – but traditionally, only at home. Public bathrooms to me aren’t places to really hang out and relax; the environs are sterile, cold, and there aren’t any bidets. At home, there’s no pressure. (Well. Maybe some pressure.) But at the office, especially, seems a bit rude. Or at least, uncooth.
And talking on a cell phone in the john just seems weird. That’s why it’s my standard policy to make bathroom noises as much as possible whenever I hear someone on his cell phone in a stall. After all, it’s a bathroom.
If only there were places where people could make phone calls and read books… we wouldn’t need this type of behavior.
Posted in Everyday Life, Toilets
Steve A September 4, 2006, 11:06 am
As a recipient of several phone calls coming from the loo, I find it pretty damn odd. That last thing I want to hear is that sound of ‘relief,’ if ya know what I mean.
Ciao,
Merle September 4, 2006, 2:55 pm
The cell phone in the bathroom thing is just nasty. There’s a woman from another floor/company who constantly comes up to our bathroom and has loud conversations in there. I am always sooo tempted to make lots of groaning noises and to flush the toilet repeatedly.
J.D. September 4, 2006, 3:46 pm
On the phone while taking a shit? The mind boggles. People do this sort of thing? I mean I get embarrassed when my wife brings me the phone while I’m taking a bath. I’m supposed to talk to people while I’m naked? How mortifying.
Steve A September 5, 2006, 11:11 am
After reading this ping again it reminded me of the hotel I used to stay at when I would often work at the air force base outside of Athens, Greece. They had a phone extention in the bathroom. As bad as that is, those bathrooms had marble floors and echoed like mad. I really couldn’t figure out the logic there.
But yes, you COULD reach the phone from the tub. LOL.
Ciao,
Merle September 5, 2006, 11:20 pm
Steve: a lot of hotels in Vegas (and some in Dallas) have a phone in the bathroom, too.
Because one really expects to get lots and lots of phone calls at inconvenient times when one is travelling. I guess.
Steve A September 9, 2006, 10:58 am
Flush, Whaddya say, Merle? Sorry, couldn’t hear you with the water swishing. ROFL
(I don’t remember phones in the loo’s in Vegas. Must not have been at the hotels I was at.)
Ciao,