The culture of a person does not begin with going to the theater, but with how he relieves himself. What is the use of a citizen contemplating a painting if he urinates on the floor without spilling a single drop into specially designed tanks? In public toilets, you can find a lot of dubious things, ranging from coke-sniffing handsome men to stinking heaps on the floor. Everything from the lack of culture (although coke has nothing to do with this) and banal ignorance of the unwritten rules of toilet etiquette. Therefore, it is time to write down these very rules.
Don't peek
At one time, Erich Maria Remarque in the novel "On western front without change "described the process of army relief needs following words: I still remember how shy we were at first, when recruits lived in the barracks and for the first time we had to use a common restroom. There are no doors, twenty people sit in a row, like in a tram. You can take a look at them with one glance - after all, a soldier must always be under observation. Since then, we have learned to overcome not only our modesty, but also many other things.
Over time, we have become accustomed to not such things. For us, all these bodily functions have regained their innocent character due to the fact that we willy-nilly perform them publicly. Moreover, we are so unaccustomed to seeing this as something shameful that the opportunity to do our business in cozy atmosphere is regarded by us, I would say, as highly as a beautifully executed combination in a skat with the right chances of winning. No wonder in German the expression "news from latrines" arose, which refers to all kinds of chatter; Where else can a soldier chat if not in these corners, which replace his traditional place at a table in a pub?
But then in army conditions, and now imagine a different picture: an empty toilet, empty cubicles, unoccupied urinals, you stand, urinate, whistling and enjoying your loneliness. But suddenly the door swings open, an asshole comes in and relieves himself in a nearby urinal right next to him. This is despite the fact that everything is free. Just like in that urinal meme about people who like to give a fuck about their opinion. Immediately you begin to think, but is he a pervert for an hour?
I suppose he's going to piss, you gadsky Herod. In a word, you need to keep your distance, if possible. At worst, it is better to urinate into the toilet, into the stall, if there is no other possibility. Still, this is a very intimate process - it is much easier to relax and do your dirty work without hearing someone else's breathing. After all, people don't know what to expect from you when you're staring at their cock. And when there is a distance between you, there are more chances to cover your "faucet".
This theory is confirmed by scientists who have done calculations and found that the most advantageous position in the toilet is the furthest from front door urinal. If a man occupies it in order to relieve a small need, most likely, other people who go to the toilet will stand at the urinal located one urinal from the occupied one. This will allow you to save more personal space and comply with the rules of toilet ethics, according to which you can not occupy all the urinals in a row, as well as look at the "neighbors" or talk to them. Also, if the toilet is empty, positioning yourself strategically at the back of the urinal will help orient the rest of the patrons. The researchers note that they did not take into account many variables, however, they recognize the method they found as the best possible.
conversational etiquette
Politeness is politeness, but it’s not worth talking at such a crucial moment. Even if it's a discussion of politics with a close friend. Some people need to focus on the process, they are uncomfortable when, as we have already said, someone intervenes in such an intimate process with stupid conversations. From the point of view of etiquette, it looks as impudent as if you stood in the middle of the hall, took off your pants and started shitting in front of everyone. Communication causes a reflex desire to look into the eyes. And how will you look in front of the rest of the visitors to the closet, looking at each other and defecate? And in general, the audibility in the restrooms is perfect, everyone will be aware of your conversation, even the guy who always gets a jet into the toilet water, causing seething akin to Niagara Falls. Do you need it? Talk at the washbasin, here you can. If the urinals are lined up, try to look down as little as possible. Better look at the wall and in front of you. The fact is that a neighbor may inadvertently think that you are trying to see his oud, and this confuses and turns back the “waters of the Nile”. Look, control, but not always. Well, if he stands alone, look where you want. And yet, if you have a son, you do not need to control him and give advice. Confuse the child and show yourself as an ignoramus. Better at home explain, urinate is a simple matter.
telephone etiquette
In general, the toilet is not the best place for conversations, it's better to finish dropping the ballast and then call back. People need to concentrate, and here you are arguing with your colleagues on work matters. People need to concentrate, and pooping and peeing to someone's screams and inappropriate jokes is somehow ridiculous. But if you don't care and it's too cold to leave the club, try to keep your voice down. The acoustics in the room are good, at the other end of the wire they will hear you, but the comrades for natural needs will not make out. By the way, do not dare to describe your impressions of visiting the closet on the phone. Yes, it stinks. But waste products should not smell like roses. After all, this is a public toilet, and your dissatisfaction with aromas and cleanliness can be perceived as elementary rudeness. In no case do not turn on the speakerphone.
We believe that you have nothing to hide, but let people focus on themselves, and not on your showdowns, and it’s no wonder to stain your pants. Well, where without a photo. To all those weird people who like to take pictures of themselves in the mirrors of public restrooms, I would like to recommend that you stop doing this garbage. To especially stubborn - a big request. Do this only in an empty room where there is no one but you. And then there are such harsh men who come up and demand to be removed.
No drinks
There are people who walk around the place all evening with their cocktail or glass of beer, not letting go of it for a minute. I would like to say that the entire staff of the institution, together with the visitors, is incredibly happy for them. What happiness - to see that you drink, happy and can afford whiskey and cola. But for God's sake, don't take your swill to the lavatory. Don't mind yourself? The toilet is shared, the cocktail is yours, the microbes are alien. Putting it on the sink, you're sure to get a handful tap water into an already diluted drink. In addition, the rest will not be very comfortable when something alien stands on something public. Usually they do this when they want to score a place. A man washes his hands, and then a hand reaches for a glass from the side. Almost an invasion of privacy. Putting it on a urinal is not safe. per dispenser toilet paper in the booth too - the glass is more likely to fall. It’s better to ask your friends to look after the swill, but if they are not there, contact the bartender, let them look after it. Just speak louder.
Good example for children
There are special urinals for children, it is easy to identify them - they are located below. You should not take them - you are already a big uncle, it is better to wait until there is a place for adults. Suddenly a little boy will run in and he will have to, standing on his toes, aim upwards with a urine arc. It's not a Worms game, he's sure to screw things up. Always make way for the little gentlemen. The guys are inexperienced - it is much more difficult for them to endure than for you, suddenly an “accident” happens.
Aim more accurately
Rumor has it that the urinal is a urinal, and the toilet bowl only needs a big need. Like, it’s indecent to occupy the toilet in order to urinate, because it may well be needed by a person who barely holds back the defense ring so that a brown shame does not break out. In fact, this is complete nonsense, and none of the rules say that the toilet cannot be used for small needs. If the urinals are busy or you're too shy, then go. In many establishments there are no urinals at all, only a slender row of stalls. The only annoying thing is the drops of urine on the rim of the toilet. It infuriates the noble toilet poopers that the poopers are polluting everything. After them, at least breed a pigsty. Therefore, dear friend, we understand that the cleaning lady will come and clean, but for God's sake, raise the toilet seat and aim well, no matter how drunk you are. Don't forget to flush after yourself and don't scatter paper on the floor, creating a cellulose swamp underneath you. Consider a situation where you want to sit down. We strongly recommend that you do not touch the toilet seat with your buttocks. But at the same time, try not to pollute the entire toilet bowl with a jet of a known substance. And if the work done has exceeded all possible expectations and is not eliminated by three flushes, use a brush. It's not shameful, it's not stupid, it's not shameful. It `s naturally. Do you enjoy hanging your ass over someone's sticky feces? A normal person is uncomfortable. And, by the way, it is better to throw away the first piece of torn toilet paper, because other people's hands touched it.
Everyone is healthy: you, we, you, if you-we-you hands
It doesn't matter how drunk you are, even if you're the last beast, don't you dare, foul, slap the common faucet with your urine. It was put in order for you to wash away the remnants of filth. It's not a bidet, it's not a urinal, it's here for hygiene. Imagine how many germs are floating around in this shameless but necessary room. How much dirty tricks stuck on the handles of the booths, the flush buttons and, in the end, on your intimate areas. And then with dirty hands for food. You are my joy, here is the sink, here is the faucet. Wash your hands with soap, you're a big boy, accustomed to the potty, so why not clean the filth from your hands? Immunity is not tempered in this way, you still pick up some kind of filth - and welcome to the infectious diseases department of the city hospital.
The culture of a person does not begin with going to the theater, but with how he relieves himself. What is the use of a citizen contemplating a painting if he urinates on the floor without spilling a single drop into specially designed tanks? In public toilets, you can find a lot of dubious things, ranging from coke-sniffing handsome men to stinking heaps on the floor. Everything from the lack of culture (although coke has nothing to do with this) and banal ignorance of the unwritten rules of toilet etiquette. Therefore, it is time to write down these very rules.
Don't peek
At one time, Erich Maria Remarque in the novel “All Quiet on the Western Front” described the process of army defecation in the following words: I still remember how shy we were at first when recruits lived in the barracks and we first had to use a common restroom. There are no doors, twenty people sit in a row, like in a tram. You can take a look at them with one glance - after all, a soldier must always be under observation. Since then, we have learned to overcome not only our modesty, but also many other things.
Over time, we have become accustomed to not such things. For us, all these bodily functions have regained their innocent character due to the fact that we willy-nilly perform them publicly. Moreover, we are so unaccustomed to seeing this as something shameful that the opportunity to do our business in a cozy atmosphere is regarded by us, I would say, as highly as a beautifully executed combination in a skat with the right chances of winning. It is not for nothing that the expression “news from latrines” arose in the German language, which refers to all kinds of chatter; Where else can a soldier chat if not in these corners, which replace his traditional place at a table in a pub?
But then in army conditions, and now imagine a different picture: an empty toilet, empty cubicles, unoccupied urinals, you stand, urinate, whistling and enjoying your loneliness. But suddenly the door swings open, an asshole comes in and relieves himself in a nearby urinal right next to him. This is despite the fact that everything is free. Just like in that urinal meme about people who like to give a fuck about their opinion. Immediately you begin to think, but is he a pervert for an hour?
I suppose he's going to piss, you gadsky Herod. In a word, you need to keep your distance, if possible. At worst, it is better to urinate into the toilet, into the stall, if there is no other possibility. Still, this is a very intimate process - it is much easier to relax and do your dirty work without hearing someone else's breathing. After all, people don't know what to expect from you when you're staring at their cock. And when there is a distance between you, there are more chances to cover your "faucet".
This theory has been confirmed by scientists who have made calculations and found that the most advantageous position in the toilet is the urinal farthest from the front door. If a man occupies it in order to relieve a small need, most likely, other people who go to the toilet will stand at the urinal located one urinal from the occupied one. This will allow you to save more personal space and comply with the rules of toilet ethics, according to which you can not occupy all the urinals in a row, as well as look at the "neighbors" or talk to them. Also, if the toilet is empty, positioning yourself strategically at the back of the urinal will help orient the rest of the patrons. The researchers note that they did not take into account many variables, however, they recognize the method they found as the best possible.
conversational etiquette
Politeness is politeness, but it’s not worth talking at such a crucial moment. Even if it's a discussion of politics with a close friend. Some people need to focus on the process, they are uncomfortable when, as we have already said, someone intervenes in such an intimate process with stupid conversations. From the point of view of etiquette, it looks as impudent as if you stood in the middle of the hall, took off your pants and started shitting in front of everyone. Communication causes a reflex desire to look into the eyes. And how will you look in front of the rest of the visitors to the closet, looking at each other and defecate? And in general, the audibility in the restrooms is perfect, everyone will be aware of your conversation, even the guy who always gets a jet into the toilet water, causing seething akin to Niagara Falls. Do you need it? Talk at the washbasin, here you can. If the urinals are lined up, try to look down as little as possible. Better look at the wall and in front of you. The fact is that a neighbor may inadvertently think that you are trying to see his oud, and this confuses and turns back the “waters of the Nile”. Look, control, but not always. Well, if he stands alone, look where you want. And yet, if you have a son, you do not need to control him and give advice. Confuse the child and show yourself as an ignoramus. It is better to explain at home, to urinate is a simple matter.
telephone etiquette
In general, the toilet is not the best place to talk, it's better to finish dumping the ballast and then call back. People need to concentrate, and here you are arguing with your colleagues on work matters. People need to concentrate, and pooping and peeing to someone's screams and inappropriate jokes is somehow ridiculous. But if you don't care and it's too cold to leave the club, try to keep your voice down. The acoustics in the room are good, at the other end of the wire they will hear you, but the comrades for natural needs will not make out. By the way, do not dare to describe your impressions of visiting the closet on the phone. Yes, it stinks. But waste products should not smell like roses. After all, this is a public toilet, and your dissatisfaction with aromas and cleanliness can be perceived as elementary rudeness. In no case do not turn on the speakerphone.
We believe that you have nothing to hide, but let people focus on themselves, and not on your showdowns, and it’s no wonder to stain your pants. Well, where without a photo. To all those weird people who like to take pictures of themselves in the mirrors of public restrooms, I would like to recommend that you stop doing this garbage. To especially stubborn - a big request. Do this only in an empty room where there is no one but you. And then there are such harsh men who come up and demand to be removed.
No drinks
There are people who walk around the place all evening with their cocktail or glass of beer, not letting go of it for a minute. I would like to say that the entire staff of the institution, together with the visitors, is incredibly happy for them. What happiness - to see that you drink, happy and can afford whiskey and cola. But for God's sake, don't take your swill to the lavatory. Don't mind yourself? The toilet is shared, the cocktail is yours, the microbes are alien. By putting it on the sink, you are sure to get a handful of tap water in an already diluted drink. In addition, the rest will not be very comfortable when something alien stands on something public. Usually they do this when they want to score a place. A man washes his hands, and then a hand reaches for a glass from the side. Almost an invasion of privacy. Putting it on a urinal is not safe. On the toilet paper dispenser in the stall, too - the glass is more likely to fall. It’s better to ask your friends to look after the swill, but if they are not there, contact the bartender, let them look after it. Just speak louder.
Good example for children
There are special urinals for children, it is easy to identify them - they are located below. You should not take them - you are already a big uncle, it is better to wait until there is a place for adults. Suddenly a little boy will run in and he will have to, standing on his toes, aim upwards with a urine arc. It's not a Worms game, he's sure to screw things up. Always make way for the little gentlemen. The guys are inexperienced - it is much more difficult for them to endure than for you, suddenly an “accident” happens.
Aim more accurately
Rumor has it that the urinal is a urinal, and the toilet bowl only needs a big need. Like, it’s indecent to occupy the toilet in order to urinate, because it may well be needed by a person who barely holds back the defense ring so that a brown shame does not break out. In fact, this is complete nonsense, and none of the rules say that the toilet cannot be used for small needs. If the urinals are busy or you're too shy, then go. In many establishments there are no urinals at all, only a slender row of stalls. The only annoying thing is the drops of urine on the rim of the toilet. It infuriates the noble toilet poopers that the poopers are polluting everything. After them, at least breed a pigsty. Therefore, dear friend, we understand that the cleaning lady will come and clean, but for God's sake, raise the toilet seat and aim well, no matter how drunk you are. Don't forget to flush after yourself and don't scatter paper on the floor, creating a cellulose swamp underneath you. Consider a situation where you want to sit down. We strongly recommend that you do not touch the toilet seat with your buttocks. But at the same time, try not to pollute the entire toilet bowl with a jet of a known substance. And if the work done has exceeded all possible expectations and is not eliminated by three flushes, use a brush. It's not shameful, it's not stupid, it's not shameful. It `s naturally. Do you enjoy hanging your ass over someone's sticky feces? A normal person is uncomfortable. And, by the way, it is better to throw away the first piece of torn toilet paper, because other people's hands touched it.
Everyone is healthy: you, we, you, if you-we-you hands
It doesn't matter how drunk you are, even if you're the last beast, don't you dare, foul, slap the common faucet with your urine. It was put in order for you to wash away the remnants of filth. It's not a bidet, it's not a urinal, it's here for hygiene. Imagine how many germs are floating around in this shameless but necessary room. How much dirty tricks stuck on the handles of the booths, the flush buttons and, in the end, on your intimate areas. And then with dirty hands for food. You are my joy, here is the sink, here is the faucet. Wash your hands with soap, you're a big boy, accustomed to the potty, so why not clean the filth from your hands? Immunity is not tempered in this way, you still pick up some kind of filth - and welcome to the infectious diseases department of the city hospital.
Material for those whose rules of behavior in a public restroom are limited to three NOT: do not touch the toilet, do not forget to wash your hands, do not stay too long. A little more rules. And it is better to observe them - for health.
1. Look for a toilet far from the entrance
If you have time and opportunity, in large hypermarkets and high-rise office buildings, try to choose a public toilet that is farthest from the entrance and least crowded. "Full house" will, of course, be in the toilets on the first floors and opposite the doors. Look for a booth at least a floor above. There is nothing special to explain here: the fewer people, the less likely it is to pick up an infection.
2. Carry hygiene products with you
A pack of dry and a pack of wet (ideally disinfectant) wipes plus an antibacterial spray will not take up much space even in a handbag, but they will be very useful in any situation. Get in the habit of carrying them in your bag. After all, the situation when there is neither paper nor soap in a public toilet is not so rare - let's be honest.
3. Don't touch anything
If possible, avoid touching ALL public restroom surfaces with bare hands. You better not know who "lives" on door handle, faucet handle and hand dryer button.
Before you touch anything, take a paper towel or dry napkin in your hand, then throw it away. By the way, today in some places you can be offered disposable thin gloves - do not be surprised. If you still touched something with your bare hands, then be sure to wipe your hands with a damp antibacterial wipe.
4. Use a hook for things
Break the habit of placing your bag, makeup bag, and other personal items on the sinks. And God forbid you put them on the floor. Most toilet cubicles have wall hooks - in this case, this is the most acceptable way out. Although it would also be nice to wipe the handles of the bag with an antibacterial wipe afterwards.
5. Don't sit down
Never sit on the toilet in a public restroom. If it doesn’t work out in any other way, take all possible security measures: wipe the toilet seat with disinfectant wipes and put a special disposable pad on it (sold at the pharmacy) or, in its absence, just a few paper napkins.
6. Flush with the lid down
This rule does not only apply to public toilets. What happens when you flush the toilet? Millions of bacteria in a cloud of sprayed water settle on the floor, walls, your clothes ... What is going on in a combined apartment bathroom for those who do not have such a habit is scary to think. But even being in a public toilet, it is better to close the lid before draining. Of course, not with bare hands (see item 3).
7. Wash your hands
This point could begin and end each previous one. "Diseases of dirty hands" - not funny, but quite to itself official name groups of most unpleasant diseases from jaundice and dysentery to giardiasis.
So, it is imperative to wash your hands both BEFORE and AFTER visiting the toilet cubicle. If possible, you should use liquid soap, not bar soap (if there is no other soap bar, wash it first). Even more desirable - from a jar with a touch dispenser that does not require tactile contact. Any product then rinse thoroughly. running water. Wipe your hands with a damp antibacterial wipe. Close the taps with a dry cloth.
Use dry paper towels or paper towels to dry your hands if possible. The humid and warm environment created by an air dryer is great for most microbes to thrive.
toilet etiquette
Try not to forget that you are in a public place: you should treat your fellow citizens with respect.
Be sure to keep it clean - do not leave behind splashes of soap, scattered on the floor and paper thrown on the toilet seat; properly dispose of used hygiene products; use an air freshener. And, of course, do not occupy the toilet cubicle for a long time: someone outside the door also "really needs it."
Galina Zimina
Nobody likes going to a public restroom, but sometimes it's necessary. To make the experience less depressing, follow certain rules of conduct - they will make life better for you and for everyone else around you.
Don't forget to wash your hands
Perhaps there is no more important rule! Public toilets are full of bacteria. Even if you think you haven't touched anything especially dirty, believe me, you should wash your hands as soon as possible.
Hand washing should be thorough
As a child, you probably did not wash your face too thoroughly or forgot to brush your teeth. But adulthood works according to different rules. There is no point in just rinsing your hands with water. Behave like an adult, take care of your hygiene carefully!
Don't text on the toilet
Many people are truly addicted to their phone, but even if you are an important employee who needs to be constantly in touch, sometimes you still need to stop communication. If you visit the toilet, do not take your phone out of your pocket, this is simply inappropriate.
Do not use stalls or urinals next to another person
Of course, if other options are available. Think about the comfort of the other person, do not get into his personal space.
Dry your hands with paper towels
If you use an automatic dryer, you are spreading bacteria through the air. In addition, the hands remain practically wet. Recent studies have shown that using a dryer spreads sixty times more bacteria than using a regular paper towel.
Don't wash your foot
Maybe you really don’t like touching the drain button, because it has too many bacteria on it. But is it better to wash off with your foot? Actually, not at all. You will still wash your hands after going to the toilet. If you wash with your foot, you will contaminate your shoes with bacteria, which will then travel on your soles all the way to your house. In addition, you will dirty the button, and the next person after you may not like to wash their hands thoroughly.
Do not enter the booth with other people
Sometimes it seems that it will be faster, but a lot of people in a limited space move slowly and this all only makes the queue longer.
Do not hang over the seat
Of course, it seems that sitting on a seat in a public toilet is disgusting. In fact, the seats are cleaner than the dishwashing sponges you have at home! Hanging over, you will only create excess dirt.
Don't forget to rinse
You know how unpleasant it is to go into a cubicle and see other people's feces there! Do not create such situations for other people.
Do not sit in the cabin for a long time
Don't lean on an occupied booth
If you start leaning on the booth to show that it's time to get out, the person inside can start to do everything much more slowly.
Don't talk to strangers
Only contact strangers if you think they have serious health problems. In other situations, it is better to refrain from trying to start a conversation.
Do not fill everything around the sink with water
Be careful. You don't do laundry in a public toilet! Don't spill water all over the place.
Don't talk on the phone
Whatever problem you are worried about, it is quite capable of waiting a couple of minutes. Do not force others to hear your telephone conversations. Visiting a public toilet is already embarrassing, there is no need to aggravate the situation.
Toilet etiquette… sounds as grotesque as, for example, an optimistic tragedy. But he still exists. We all somehow end up in the restrooms at work, in cafes, cinemas, museums and other public places. And it is very important that your natural needs do not create inconvenience to anyone.
1. Personal space
It may seem ridiculous, but when going to the restroom, many people take a booth next to an already occupied one. This is not true. It is more correct to choose the next one from the busy one so that there is one empty one between you. Of course, if there is such an opportunity.
2. For the disabled - not for you
Use the cabin for people with handicapped, if you do not belong to them, - bad manners. Firstly, you can wait for your turn in a regular booth, and secondly, a person who really needs it can come in. It will be awkward.
3. No handshakes
You never know who you met. But it's worth mentioning! Naturally, talking through the wall of the booth with a neighbor is also unacceptable. Very important for offices. You are chatting here, and next to you is the boss behind the partition, winding everything on his mustache. Do you need it?
4. mind your own business
The ladies never socialize in booths, but they often like to gossip at the washstand. So, this is a violation of toilet etiquette! Wash your hands and follow not thought, but hygiene.
5. No phones!
It's unhygienic to say the least! You can reply to a message, finish reading an article or surf the Internet while sitting on the “throne” at home. You can't do this in public places. Just think that while you have an “online conference” there, someone is waiting in line!
6. Pick up the last
We all know that it is ugly to take the last piece from a common plate, but for some reason we easily take the last piece of paper in the toilet. Okay, but what about the one who is in front of an empty roll? It turns out that you just need to quietly ask a neighbor for a favor and he will give you a saving piece from below. It is even better to carry a pack of paper napkins with you.
7. Quiet! There is a process...
Although all people go to the toilet for the same thing and there is nothing to be ashamed of, try to do your job quietly. It is unpleasant when the physiological accompaniment is heard throughout the restroom.
You might think that this etiquette was invented for some Neanderthals who first got into a public closet, but it is never superfluous to recall the rules of decency again. Even toilet!