Bathroom Etiquette - The Handicapped Stall

[wolflady]

For me, if I'm in a public place, I use whatever is available. If it's a regular stall, it's a regular stall...but if it's a handicapped stall, it's a handicapped stall. When I gotta go, I really gotta go (IBS), so I just take what's available.

Here at work we have 4 stalls. 3 regular and 1 handicapped. The funny thing is I always use the handicapped stall. We don't have any handicapped people that work here, so it really doesn't matter if I use that one all of the time. Plus, woman are the minority in my company, so almost always...there is nobody else in the bathroom (thank goodness!). For some reason, our regular stalls seem really cramped, and I'm just not "comfortable" in such a cramped place. Especially with my IBS flare-ups, I could be sitting for a good half hour or so!

[DJFyrewolf36]

Originally posted by catnapper
I honestly do not know what takes so many women so long in a stall!

That irritates me too especially when I am doing the pee pee dance if you know what I mean! I can be in and out of the bathroom very quickly *especially since for some reasons public restrooms scare me * I hear people carry on conversations on cell phones and with other women and such though, even when there is a huge huge line. Geez people you're in there to use the restroom, not to have a social party!

[sandragonfly]

hmm, I see "IBS" twice now..what's that? I feel like a dummy.

[NoahsMommy]

Originally posted by catnapper
I heard the distinct beep-blip-beep of a game!!!

OK, I have to confess!!

When people with bowel issues go to the potty, sometimes it just takes time. I've played the tetris on my cell phone quite often...but I mute it.

Karen is so cool! She has hand held games in her guest potty for me!! How great is she?? Only a fellow bowel-sufferer would get that!

So, cut people a little slack if you hear the video games. They're most likely in pain and trying to forget it.

[sandragonfly]

posted by noahsmommy

OK, I have to confess!!

well well now that's sticky! guess you gotta go when you gotta go but if you hear someone wheels in, call out "I'll be right out" to be somewhat least rude. (for some)

[jenluckenbach]

IBS=irratable Bowel Syndrome

I always feel so guilty if it takes me long, but sometimes you just can't help it.

[sandragonfly]

posted by jenluckenbach

IBS=Irratable Bowel Syndrome

THANK YOU!!

[Logan]

Originally posted by jenluckenbach
Unlike handicapped ONLY parking spaces, which are reserved for the handicapped alone, I feel that the handicapped stalls are not ONLY for handicapped people. I think of them as available to all but made to suit the wheelchair bound. (I have never seen a sign that stated handicapped ONLY!)

After all, there are many people who NEED to use the bathroom ASAP who would not be considered handicapped.

Now, I would not cut in front of a handicapped person if one were there at the same time as I was, but I would not wait in a LONG line in order to keep that stall open, either. Especially in a place where there are only 2 stalls, 1 handicapped accesible and 1 regular sized.

I totally agree with you, Jen.

[finn's mom]

I'll use them if it's the only one available.

[slick]

Hey, when you gotta go, you gotta go. I will use them without hesitation, provided there is not a handicapped person waiting...

Is the word handicapped politically correct these days?? Should it be physically challenged?? I never know what's right.

[popcornbird]

If there's a handicapped person waiting in line, then of course I would let that person go first, BUT...I have yet to come across someone who NEEDS the bigger stall at a time when I'm going to the bathroom. I hate using most public restrooms because they're not exactly clean, but when I need to, I check each stall and use the cleanest one. If a stall is dirty, I will not use it. I noticed the handicapped stall is often the cleanest...and well...if there's no one who needs that stall, and *I* need to go, then of course I would use that stall. How great is the chance of a disabled person needing that stall in the two minutes I'm using it anyway? So for me, it depends on several things...The cleanliness of the stalls, how badly I need to go, and who's waiting in line.

Regarding people taking long in the bathroom......SOMETIMES you NEED to take long, and have no choice. It depends on 'ahem'...certain things. Sometimes women need more time....and if they have an upset tummy or something, they would need some time for that too. Of course when using a public restroom, you should get out as fast as possible, but sometimes, you DO need time.

[aki]

LOL! I'm with you Catnapper. I need some space! Plus they have those nifty bars you can set your handbag on.

I hate it in a small stall and the flush feels like it's sucking you in and you can barely get the door open to escape it! LOL

[gini]

I will use the handicapped stall if there is no one in line who is handicapped.

But I usually try to make it quick just in case someone comes
into the bathroom that is handicapped.

But ladies, do you know, that it really isn't good for us to make it "quick" - because that is how bladder infections can be caused - by not taking the time to empty yourself completely.

What a lovely Saturday morning topic