Public Restroom Use

Disclaimer - This post is not for the queasy :)

I am pretty certain that we have all had to use a public restroom more than once in our lives.  For the most part, the majority of times I have needed to use such a facility, the experience has been relatively painless and un-notable.  HOWEVER, there have also been those few situations where I have been both uncomfortable and embarrassed.

Most recently, I was having coffee with a friend at a local coffee shop when I felt the sudden urge to use the washroom.  As I approached, I noticed a woman also approaching.  I knew that I would be quick and entered the bathroom just ahead of her.

Once I was inside and the door was safely latched, I surveyed the area and wondered what I had gotten myself into. While most of the room was relatively clean, my eyes were drawn to toilet.  There was no urinal to speak of, which is what I would have preferred.  There was only a white porcelain throne  which stood out like a sore thumb.  It was very filthy! 

There was fecal matter clinging to unflushed toilet paper, hanging out and draped around the bowl.  There were also remnants of fecal matter on the seat and rubbed up against the inside of bowl.  It was like a shit bomb had gone off!

Who does this to a restroom and even more curious, who leaves a restroom looking like this?

The interesting thing to note, is that this is a quality coffee shop in an upper end community,

Now, when one uses a public bathroom like this, there are enough issues to deal with, especially if they are shy and embarrass easily.  Knowing there is someone right outside the door, waiting to use the room right after you can be disconcerting.  After all, there could be unsavory sounds associated with the experience and lingering smells for the next patron to experience.  Although we all understand and experience this natural bodily function, most of us also feel it is a very private matter and are more comfortable when we are alone and no one is waiting to use the room right after us.

As I summed up the situation, options began to run through my mind.  I could turn around and just leave.  I could exit and notify an employee to clean the place and then return.   As I weighed my options I suddenly became aware that too much time had passed and I now had another issue to deal with.

First, I needed to relieve myself, which I could comfortably do standing up.

Then, I panicked.  I realized that I needed to deal with the perception of the woman who would use the room after me. Why oh why, had I not turned and run when I had the opportunity.  Damn you Venti Coffee and your effect on me!

So I did the only reasonable thing any compulsive person would do.  I ran the faucet and cleaned everything up.  Wiped it all down.  Disgusting, especially since I didn't have any gloves, sponges, detergent, etc, but couldn't bare the thought of a woman I don't even know thinking I left that mess.  Thank god the establishment had the decency to have a dispenser of Purell.  Really, the only other choice I would have had was to quickly leave the coffee shop and never come back!  Much too complicated and I love my coffee way to much to go that route.

As I exited the restroom I wondered if the woman next in line would appreciate my  secret gesture and leave the room as clean as I did.  Hmmmm.