Why do some people look before they flush?

Question

Sorry, I heard this on a television show, a man dressed up as Ghandi and would answer fan mail with wise proverbs, and that was one of the questions.

1980's Saturday Night Live - Tim Kazurinski

Love you Notti mummy!

Answer 1

I remember hearing this question on a old Freddie Starr tape & I agre with what he said. Beciase it makes us feel good!!!. When we have been for a good one we feel like spring lambs!!!.

Answer 2

It may be a vestigial instinctive behaviour from our evolutionary past. Many animals are greatly concerned about their poo, using it to mark the boundaries of their territory. By inspecting the deposit, an animal can decide to return to top it up or, if it is adjudged to be quite impressive enough, find a new site to establish a fresh totem elsewhere the next time the opportunity presents.

When it comes to humans, though, on average, the chances are it's because they're German.

You don't have much choice BUT to look if you have to use a German toilet. German toilets are designed specially so that you can, not only look but, inspect before you flush. The idea, apparently, is that an informed inspection of the stool can reveal indications and symptoms of disease at an early stage.


The question might be asked "Why DON'T some people look before they flush?".

It's not just Germans, though, and that doesn't really explain why Pablo Picasso saw fit to keep a detailed descriptive diary of his 'movements' throughout his life.

Answer 3

A lot of people probably do it to check if everything looks
'normal' . No blood/ strange colors or lumpiness.
It might tell you if there 's something wrong with you.
I check most of the times because it is so boring
sitting on a toilet that i indulge in a bizarre form of Calligraphy.
I decide on which letter I want to see when I finish.
It is not as easy as it sounds,sometimes you have to shift
and wriggle quite a bit.
You have to time it perfectly, and judge beforehand which letter to go for.
Some just need more 'material' than others.
I doubt that I am the only person doing this, I just wonder
if anybody else would admit to it.
If not ...there probably is something wrong with me, but then again I knew that already.

Answer 4

I looked this morning and swiftly wished to my dear lord and saviour Jesus H Christ that I hadn’t. A horrific sight that can only be described as monstrous viciously attacked all of my senses with a riot of putrid stench and faecal atrocity. The remnants of last nights curry, Guinness and Abduls Special Kebab Pizza extravaganza lay before me like the aftermath of a bloody battlefield after an orgy of close combat visceral destruction.

If anyone has any Imodium – get in touch quick!

Answer 5

I have to ask, how do you know they look?

Possible answer - on continental pedestals there is a sort of shelf where the doings sit until flushed away. The only reason that I can think of for this is so that the Germans can salute the stool as it proceeds on its final journey.

Another possible answer is that they're checking the quantity of what they've dumped. They then mentally subtract from their intake and so can calculate their energy and weight gain or loss.

Answer 6

I would say curiosity would be the main reason. But for other people there would be the general consistency of the "product" to observe whether they had been consuming enough liquids - non alcoholic, or not the extent to which the "product" has been digested. This can cause much concern to many people and checking ones stools is an ideal way to monitor health. I'm sure there are many other reasons too........

Answer 7

When i was in Germany , a few years ago , i noticed that the toilets were a funny shape. Instead of the faeces going straight down the "PAN" it was caught on a sort of shelf. When i asked about this i was told it was for people who wanted to inspect the contents of there bowels. I know it sounds crude , but it is a really good way of discovering ,early on, if you have a problem in that department I.E. blood in your Faeces. So, going back to question, it could well be a natural reaction for us to have a quick look at what we"ve just passed.!! Keep looking.!!!

Answer 8

Well imagine if you didn't look and someone went after you only to discover the monster didn't quite get flushed away. How embarassing would that be!
Besides, you have to turn arround to flush anyway. Makes sense to check at the same time.
I'm amazed by the number of female responses.
Good on you girls!
I was sure there's be a few 'No way it's sooooooo un-ladylike & disguisting'

Answer 9

Is that my adopted daughter, its Nottm mummy here. Yes I totally agree with you, worked as a nurse for a long time, and when you had to take a patient to the loo then, once they had finished they would turn around and look down the pan, It made me eave I can tell you. Take care sweetheart enjoy the rest of Easter the folks over the pond xxxx

Answer 10

Omigod whattalot of answers.

They are right but they miss the point. The little flush lever is nearly always behind and below you (ie on the tank and low enough for children). It is rather hard NOT to look at what you have done.

I never try to look at what I have done, issjust there in front of me and yes of course I notice if I have produced a floater or maybe the Staff of Rohan.

Well anyone would.

Answer 11

This question has got alot of answers. But I'm the same as most people have answered I check for health reasons and also to make sure that it flushes as the next person that uses loo doesn't want to see it!!