Does it bother you when...?

Question

you are the only one sitting in a stall in a large public bathroom, and someone comes in and sits in a stall right next to you? This would be assuming that each stall was of equal dimensions, equally clean and had enough toilet paper. We are having a large debate about this at work. Why or why not does it bother you, or have you never thought of it? If you think one way, why do you think others think the opposite way? Do you think being married makes a difference since people with spouses may be more used to people being around when they use the bathroom? Any insight is appreciated ~

I wanted to add that I am someone who is bothered by this. I'm not sure why - it just seems an invasion of personal space. Why would someone choose to sit right next to you? I agree that it's weird :)

Answer 1

Simply because someone has invaded your space, and anyone who just open a book would know that answer. People seem to forget that the human body gives off electrical impulses and when that area or space is in invaded people have the tendency to become un-easy it is just one of the laws in nature. and all human frequencies are different. Also that is why most animals really run even before they are able to see or smell their enemy's. some people call it instincts. also its a easy thing to test on a friend or an animal..................................... Many people are amazes about the human mind and body. Men and Woman use this instinct all the time on one night stands and many of people have no Idea as to who, what, when and why they chose this person..........................

Answer 2

I've thought of this myself...
There are a couple of considerations to keep in mind: How many total stalls are there? Is the option between a normal sized one or the handicapped? Because if so, even though I'm opposed to sitting directly on the side of another person, I opt for the smaller vacency.
I don't believe it has anything to do with a person's living arrangment. It's like sitting on a bus or train. You don't opt for the seat directly on the side of the only person riding in that space... You sit at an appropriate distance...

I HATE it when people choose the stall right near mine.

Good question - very thought provoking!

Answer 3

I always think of the likeliness of someone sitting in the cubicle next to me when I have to choose.

For instance, if there are 4 cubicles, the chances of someone occupying the one next to you if you were to choose cubicle no. 1 or no. 4 are 33.3%. However, if you choose cubicle no. 2 or no. 3, then there's a 50% chance that someone will sit in one next to you.

That of course assumes that all the cubicles are the same, with working flush, no leftovers from previous users, with toilet paper, etc. Check these things out first and make your choice accordingly. If you spot a no. 1 or no. 4 cubicle and the next one doesn't have toilet paper, go for it! In fact, you could be cheeky and take the toilet paper out of the cubicles next to the one you want. How's that?

As for the choice of cubicles people make, I have a theory that suggests that it depends on the person's personality and what state of mind he/she is. An aggressive or otherwise confident person would be more likely to choose a cubicle (or a urinal for that matter) in or near the middle of the row. A less aggressive or confident person would be less likely to do so. The same goes for the more reserved person.


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spiritofradio: OK smarty pants. It's 66.67% then.

Answer 4

No, it doesn't bother me...I don't think about it and to be honest, when I need to go, I tend to go for the first available stall I see...I don't check to see if someone is in each one and space myself accordingly...

Your personal space IS the stall...if you need more than that, I'd suggest speaking with a counselor...there are walls around the stalls for (visual) privacy...I think that is sufficient.

I'm not married, but I wasn't raised to be modest or think bathroom habits were taboo...I don't leave the door hanging open in public, but have no issue if I'm doing my business and people take the stalls on either side of me...we're all there (I assume) for the purpose of elimination... I tend to mine, wash my hands, and leave.

Answer 5

I always try to get as far from another person as possible if the stalls allow. If I make a noise I don't want anyone to hear me. But I have been in a restroom when someone took the stall right beside me when all the others were empty. I just assumed they wanted the comfort of knowing someone else was there, OR, they like hearing you make you little noises and it turns them on.

Answer 6

twokay75. I don't mean to be rude, please could you explain why someone sitting next to you if you use cubicle 2 or 3 is prob. 50%? Is it not 66.6'%? If you chose c1, they have a choice of only 1 from 3 to sit next to you (ie c2) which is 33.3'%. If you choose 2, they can sit next to you in 1 or 3 but not 4 which is a choice of 2 from 3 so is that not 66.6'%? Likewise for c3. I'm not too hot on probability. Maybe the thing of people being near each other to answer the call of nature is a primeval instinct of safety in numbers when in a vulnerable position. Anyway, who can pee the highest?

Answer 7

You should go every other stall or urinal before going next to someone. It's basic bathroom etiquette! haha

Don't worry, I've had in depth conversations with friends about this. You aren't the only one.

Just be happy you girls don't have to go in the giant troughs at big sporting events. It's a line up of guys next to each other just letting it all hang out. ugh!

Answer 8

yes it does...but then if it is a public toilet, you expect the public to visit!
However, I fall into the same trap. It is an unsettling feeling probably because you go in feeling it's your own private space- the whole public toilet, and then someone literally walks in on you, your sanctuary..your bathroom.
It's different when I go somewhere in which the roles are reversed, I'm disturbing some other squatters' peace.

Answer 9

Its worse for us guys who are at the urinal and someone uses the one right next to you even though there are others free, now thats invading personal space. Im not bothered when im having a poop and someone comes into the stall next to me cos they cant see me

Answer 10

HA HA...

It bothers me, I wont lie.

I mean, I know bodily functions are natural, the body is natural, all that stuff, but we are raised to believe that modesty is crucial to survival in this world. That sort of lesson spills over into most aspects of your life.

It's really silly to be bothered by it, because its all part of being alive, but when we go to the bathroom, we always close the door, right? When we change our clothes, we always close ourselves alway somewhere as well. The body is natural, so why do we do that?

I would guess that people who don't care about that sort of thing were simply raised differently. That its all normal, natural and nothing to be bothered by.

It's just hard to let go of how you are raised, for anyone.