# Why can't I get privacy in the bathroom?? (a little TMI) **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [October 15, 2003, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-get-privacy-in-the-bathroom-a-little-tmi/207630 "2003-10-15T19:20:26Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Indygrrl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/58f4c7/32.png) [@Indygrrl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Indygrrl)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2003, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-get-privacy-in-the-bathroom-a-little-tmi/207630/21 "2003-10-16T15:41:06Z")
I agree that it’s bad form for two women to stand at the sink and have a conversation. I also get paranoid that they’re looking at the mirror and seeing me through the cracks in the stall. I hate public bathrooms. ---
**Author:** ![lieu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c2a13f/32.png) [@lieu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lieu)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2003, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-get-privacy-in-the-bathroom-a-little-tmi/207630/22 "2003-10-16T15:51:39Z")
That fart muffler thing is bizarre. What if they have to fart in their office? Do they fart into a Kleenex? I swear I think I’d keel over if I saw someone grab a Kleenex, place it next to their poophole and fart into it. Can you re-use those? ---
**Author:** ![Computer\_Guru](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ed655f/32.png) [@Computer\_Guru](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Computer_Guru)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2003, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-get-privacy-in-the-bathroom-a-little-tmi/207630/23 "2003-10-16T15:59:27Z")
I hate when there are people in the bathroom when I have to go. ---
**Author:** ![2\_Angry\_Men](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/2/74df32/32.png) [@2\_Angry\_Men](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2_Angry_Men)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2003, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-get-privacy-in-the-bathroom-a-little-tmi/207630/24 "2003-10-16T16:18:28Z")
I used to be a janitor, I am a male - and let me tell you it is just as uncomfortable for us as it is for you ladies 😉 We would generally try and run to replace the rolls at the end of the day or beginning of the day - but the thing is we had a company policy of never changing a roll untill it was COMPLETELY finished - we even got a fucking memo about it from the board one time. As if those few extra leafs of toiletpaper being thrown out every week were the real cause of their financial woes… So consequently most of the time we had to wait untill there was a complaint. Most women weren’t happy when complaining - either - giving us a tone of voice that indicated they were extremely embarrassed to have to move to another stall to “finish”. I tell ya - it’s hell being stuck between a boardroom full of idiot men and a bathroom full of prudish women. — G. ---
**Author:** ![HelenGawn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a88e4f/32.png) [@HelenGawn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HelenGawn)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2003, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-get-privacy-in-the-bathroom-a-little-tmi/207630/25 "2003-10-16T16:19:03Z")
If I can’t be alone in the bathroom, I like to at least pretend I am while in the stall. I hate it when someone recognizes my shoes and starts a conversation. Um, trying to concentrate here… ---
**Author:** ![lieu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c2a13f/32.png) [@lieu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lieu)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2003, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-get-privacy-in-the-bathroom-a-little-tmi/207630/26 "2003-10-16T16:20:49Z")
What shoes are best for pooping in? Loafers. ---
**Author:** ![ivylass](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/9de053/32.png) [@ivylass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ivylass)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2003, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-get-privacy-in-the-bathroom-a-little-tmi/207630/27 "2003-10-16T16:41:50Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Missy2U \* > \*\ ***ivylass** , I do the exact same thing. Jeez Louise, there are times when I have to go to three different bathrooms - just so I can have some **privacy**. And depending on what I’ve had for lunch, this can be a BAD thing. \*\* I’m so glad. I thought I was some sort of freak. And the thing is…well, when I do find myself alone, I try to get it over with ASAP, so no one comes in and hears an embarrassing plop. Ladies do not have bowel movements, don’tcha know. ---
**Author:** ![Incubus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/c68b51/32.png) [@Incubus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Incubus)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2003, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-get-privacy-in-the-bathroom-a-little-tmi/207630/28 "2003-10-16T16:48:34Z")
I’ll admit I have a hard time getting things moving along when I know there are other people about. However what helps a lot is just to relax, close my eyes, and _pretend_ I am alone. This usually does wonders. In some regards, I actually prefer a public restroom than my own, because I don’t have to really be concerned about any horrific messes I leave behind, and I don’t really worry about clogging public toilets. With my own toilet, if I’m not careful, I’ll clog it and it takes friggin 30 minutes to unclog. :mad: ---
**Author:** ![Nangleator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/e19adc/32.png) [@Nangleator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nangleator)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2003, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-get-privacy-in-the-bathroom-a-little-tmi/207630/29 "2003-10-16T16:56:53Z")
“Hmm. Sounds like you need a new fart muffler, there, ma’am. How’s about we install a new 6-ply for you?” There ought to be a website for this concept, with directions and waveform alaysis/decibel level charts for various designs. There probably already is a website, but I’m not going to search for it at work. Back on topic, multi-person bathrooms are a crime against humanity. ---
**Author:** ![elfbabe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/b782af/32.png) [@elfbabe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfbabe)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2003, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-get-privacy-in-the-bathroom-a-little-tmi/207630/30 "2003-10-16T17:25:07Z")
… am I the only one who isn’t bothered at ALL by public restrooms? (presuming they’re clean, of course) I just go in and, uh, go. ---
**Author:** ![bayonet1976](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/77aa72/32.png) [@bayonet1976](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bayonet1976)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2003, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-get-privacy-in-the-bathroom-a-little-tmi/207630/31 "2003-10-16T17:34:36Z")
You know, with wireless technology it is entirely possible for me to pull up this thread…, jeez that took a long time…, play a game of solitaire in the meantime…, ah! there it is. Anyway like I was saying, I could pull up this thread, write a response, and post it, all while sitting here “making a major transaction”. I love technology. ---
**Author:** ![PucksRaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ecd19e/32.png) [@PucksRaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PucksRaven)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2003, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-get-privacy-in-the-bathroom-a-little-tmi/207630/32 "2003-10-16T17:46:07Z")
**Elfbabe** I’m with you. I have no problem doing whatever I need to do in public restrooms. That’s why they’re there. My only complaint is those darn self flushing toilets. They either flush too soon or never and then you have to figure out where the button is to do it yourself. I think this is a common complaint though, at least based on my friend group. ---
**Author:** ![I\_can\_t\_believe\_that\_s\_butter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/8edcca/32.png) [@I\_can\_t\_believe\_that\_s\_butter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/I_can_t_believe_that_s_butter)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2003, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-get-privacy-in-the-bathroom-a-little-tmi/207630/33 "2003-10-16T18:30:34Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by lieu \* > \*\*That fart muffler thing is bizarre. What if they have to fart in their office? > > Do they fart into a Kleenex? > > I swear I think I’d keel over if I saw someone grab a Kleenex, place it next to their poophole and fart into it. Can you re-use those? \*\* Maybe this goes hand-in-hand (hee-hee) with Rule #2 of the [Five Rules For Smart Girls](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=212395&highlight=rules+smart+girls) that Chefguy passed on last month? > [@](#): > > **2. Cover your hole when you fart.** _referenced by:_ > [@](#): > > **4. When you fart you should go to the bathroom.** ---
**Author:** ![whiterabbit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/cab0a1/32.png) [@whiterabbit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/whiterabbit)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2003, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-get-privacy-in-the-bathroom-a-little-tmi/207630/34 "2003-10-16T19:21:52Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by elfbabe \* > \*\*… am I the only one who isn’t bothered at ALL by public restrooms? (presuming they’re clean, of course) I just go in and, uh, go. \*\* No, you’re not. Generally I try to poop at home because I don’t always have a book on me and I like to read while going, but if I have to go, I go. If there are people in the bathroom and it gets stinky, well, I’m sorry folks, that’s what a bathroom is FOR. And where are you supposed to fart if not in the BATHROOM for crying out loud? ---
**Author:** ![matt\_mcl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7ab992/32.png) [@matt\_mcl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/matt_mcl)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2003, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-get-privacy-in-the-bathroom-a-little-tmi/207630/35 "2003-10-17T01:09:09Z")
> [@](#): > > I also get paranoid that they’re looking at the mirror and seeing me through the cracks in the stall. “Another hazard I don’t want to forget to mention is when the hinges on the stall door are about a mile apart, so everyone standing on line can pass their time by observing _you,_ until you wish you could charge for Pay-Per-View.” - Sara Cytron ---
**Author:** ![monstro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ba9def/32.png) [@monstro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monstro)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2003, 3:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-get-privacy-in-the-bathroom-a-little-tmi/207630/36 "2003-10-17T03:06:55Z")
I hate public toliets. If diapers weren’t so damn bulky, I’d wear them all the live long day. ---
**Author:** ![lurksfromwork](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/8491ac/32.png) [@lurksfromwork](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lurksfromwork)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2003, 3:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-get-privacy-in-the-bathroom-a-little-tmi/207630/37 "2003-10-17T03:40:17Z")
I wait till i get to work, **then** they pay me to take this crap:D Trying taking a crap in a toilet full of little tree frogs, it’s fantastic, name them after your workmates, politicians or your boss, aim and fire!! Like shooting fish in a barrel!! ---
**Author:** ![Rebo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rebo/32/13005_2.png) [@Rebo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rebo)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2003, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-get-privacy-in-the-bathroom-a-little-tmi/207630/38 "2003-10-17T14:20:02Z")
You have tree frogs in your _bathroom?_ ---
**Author:** ![CrankyAsAnOldMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crankyasanoldman/32/11670_2.png) [@CrankyAsAnOldMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CrankyAsAnOldMan)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2003, 2:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-get-privacy-in-the-bathroom-a-little-tmi/207630/39 "2003-10-17T14:51:15Z")
We have single-person bathrooms at work. A benefit I forget to appreciate adequately until I read threads like these. My son doesn’t understand the word “privacy.” I am not sure how we managed to mangle the concept for him. He has been known to bang on the bathroom door and say “I want to help you with your privacy!” ---
**Author:** ![minor7flat5](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/minor7flat5/32/258_2.png) [@minor7flat5](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/minor7flat5)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2003, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-get-privacy-in-the-bathroom-a-little-tmi/207630/40 "2003-10-17T17:09:01Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Indygrrl \* > \*\*I agree that it’s bad form for two women to stand at the sink and have a conversation. I also get paranoid that they’re looking at the mirror and seeing me through the cracks in the stall. > > I hate public bathrooms. \*\* Several months back they installed new stalls in our bathroom. These stalls are not bolted to the floor; rather, the front pieces (that hold the door) extend to the ceiling and are attached there. As they were installing them, they realized that a ceiling vent was encroaching on the space where one of the pieces was to be attached. Their solution? They machined little aluminum spacer blocks about 3/4" thick that they inserted between the side walls and the front. This resulted in a space big enough to fit your hand through. Ugh! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-get-privacy-in-the-bathroom-a-little-tmi/207630.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-get-privacy-in-the-bathroom-a-little-tmi/207630.md?page=3)