I'm sorry, but I'm American! I don't get the Bidet STILL. Do you use soap??

Question

I use toilet paper. I wet it with warm water, then rub it on the soap bar, then use it. See so it's hygenic & the area is clean & soapy smelling.

Now this bidet thing. I'd love to have one, but I don't understand these things:
1. in public, do Europeans (& others) have bidets in stores, at work, etc. ? If not, then you are really only "clean" 1/2 the time, no?

2. how can you use a public bidet?? sitting on a dry, relatively clean looking public toilet is bad enough, but don't the seats get wet more easily than a toilet seat & doesn't that allow more viruses etc. to survive (being waterborne?)

3. what about the soap?? and don't you still need paper?? don't you think paper & water is effective than just water??? and how do you dry yourself???

I find this so puzzling. I feel like a true American
Thanks everyone!

Answer 1

I'm from Sweden and I've seen a bidet in some people's homes, but it seems like a luxury item. I think it was a fad some years ago. I've yet to see one in a public bathroom. But then I don't frequent the more upscale clubs and their fine toilettes...

Answer 2

I am truly with you on that one. I think it's interesting. Like you, I certainly love to make sure I have a sanitary environment for my bottom. If I were to use a bidet, it would have to be mine exclusively.