Stay Alive With Restroom Etiquette

The Gent’s Cheat Sheet

Stay Alive With Restroom Etiquette

Most social norms go without saying.  In fact, that’s a big part of the reason they’re called social norms–by definition, they’re standards of behavior that have become so engrained that to state them should be entirely unnecessary.  These norms are important—not only for their inherent value (there’s usually a good reason they become accepted), but because as gents, it’s our job to know what sort of behavior is acceptable and what must never, ever, ever occur (see: “The Comb-Over”).

Case in point: bathroom etiquette.

It would seem that the basic rules would fall into the “goes without saying” category, but unfortunately it seems that there will always be the 20 percent or so that just don’t seem to get the message.  Keep in mind that we’re not talking about the most complicated of rules here—these are the most basic standards that all men should have no choice but follow.

If you research the topic online, you’ll find a wealth of information (as with everything, some valuable, much of it nonsense).  There are even entire websites devoted to this important topic.  Think I’m kidding?  Check out the International Center for Bathroom Etiquette.  This site covers every possible scenario…work, home, international, sinks, stalls, etc.—you name it.  As you can see, this is a serious, serious topic! :)

For a good starting point, check out five basic rules from the ICBE for workplace etiquette.  Among other things, these rules cover basics like washing your hands (duh!) and the cardinal sin of talking business between stalls.

Of course, codes of conduct that have taken thousands of years to develop can’t be quickly summarized in five rules.  Some bathroom situations take some careful consideration—and in the most extreme situations, a willingness to even walk away and find another bathroom.

There are other resources to draw on, of course–here’s a good video that outlines the basics of urinal selection:

I know that I’m preaching to the choir here, since as gents you all have a very good feel what for what’s acceptable and what isn’t.  But we all know people who don’t—and no one wants to be “that guy,” so do your friends a favor and help them understand what the rest of us already know.  Even if YOU like bathroom conversations, or if you don’t mind shaking hands with people who walked out without washing—do it for the rest of us.  We’re in this together!

These are serious rules, gents…so pay attention.  Learn them.  Live them.  Love them.  Expect nothing less from those around you.  And maybe, just maybe, we can keep this ship on course.

Related posts:

1. How to Manage Your Ego So You Can Reach Your Full Potential
2. The Habit Change Cheatsheet: How to Successfully Engrain a Behavior
3. Is Volume Really Equated With Competence?
4. How to Pick a Playlist When Hosting an Event
5. Eight Stress-Busting Tips