Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Making Etiquette Easy: Basic Bathroom Etiquette

Image from www.marieclaire.com

It used to be that the restroom served on purpose, but these days it’s become a feeding ground for ill-mannered folks to feel like they can get away with a few more things than usual. So, we’re going back to the basics and taking a look at some bathroom etiquette, and for some of us, “laws of the ladies lounge.”

  • Hall Pass: Remember when you used to have to take a large wooden peg with you to the restroom in school? Teachers started this when students began abusing their liberty of using the facilities. Instead, they would wander the halls and dilly-dally. The same thing has been happening in the workplace. Don’t abuse the privilege for reapplying makeup all day or wasting time.
  • Always wash your hands and clean your mess. Of course we all know that the little metal handle is intended to be pushed, but too many people don’t follow-through on their flush. Be courteous to those coming in after you and make sure the stall is as neat or neater than when you left. If there is no toilet paper left, either replace it or alert maintenance. Always wash your hands.
  • Pay attention when you enter the restroom. You may be in a huge hurry to go, but you should check underneath stalls (ladies) to see which ones are occupied. Pushing doors with flimsy locks can only lead to embarrassment for both parties.
  • Respect your neighbor’s privacy. If there is only one other person in the restroom, try not to take the stall directly next to them. In the same light, do not carry on (or try to carry on) conversation with coworkers while in the bathroom. If you came together, whoever is finished should wait outside for the other person.
  • Don’t call people from the restroom. Unfortunately this has become all too common these days. Using your cell phone in this private place creates anxiety for others who are in the restroom to use it, not to chat. Respect this policy and let people know you will call them back in a few minutes.

Making Etiquette Easy,

Susan K. Medina

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