Should All toilets Be Created Equal?
Almost all of the post on Women on the Verge of Thinking, contain a serious subject, as you might have concluded by yourself by now. Actually, the subject that I am about to broach, although seemingly comic, is in fact a serious one as well, which has to do with waiting, watching and utilities one's time wisely.
Two weeks ago, my girlfriend and I were on a walk for NAMI (National alliance for the Mentally Ill.) It was not long, 5k, but both of us, on the trail, at one point, concluded that we had to go to the bathroom. We stopped, and both saw, the usual tail of a line formed in front of those stalls designated for "women." The men's stalls were practically empty. My friend turned to me and said, "I am going to use the men's one. It is an individual stall, no men are there, why not.' Of course, I had to make a confession to her, that I actually do this all of the time, and have no qualms about using an empty stall that says MEN, if I must. The same incident occurred last night when our family went out to dinner. The woman's room had a line, and not a soul was waiting for the men's toilet. I asked the women, would you like to use the men's toilet, and all said no, so I preceded to go myself.
Why is it that so few toilets are made for women in the first place? Have you noticed, that when waiting in line, one may see 3 for men and 3 for women, but statistically, there are more women who need to use the toilets at any given time. Is it a matter of time taken, the fact that men, if they really need to go, do not necessarily need a toilet, but can eliminate themselves anywhere behind a bush, in a dark alley, or next to a vacant lot? Are public restrooms created by men, with little thought of women in mind? Do you ever find yourself in this situation? Do you ever use a toilet not marked specifically for your own sex? I would be completely surprised if any man claimed to use the woman's stalls, as opposed to a woman making a similar confession about that of a man!
All in all, the week has been good, but very busy, and next week is busier, with three trials looming large in the background. Nevertheless, I count my blessings, am happy that for today, this moment, all is well, my husband is well, my children are doing well, and I am well.
On a more serious note, let us not forget the kidnapped soldiers in Israel. Since I am somewhat technologically inept, and cannot post their pictures here, I will give a site that displays their names and pictures clearly: http://www.jewishla.org/
May these men be safely returned to their families, and let us not forget them.
Thank you for your minds.
Two weeks ago, my girlfriend and I were on a walk for NAMI (National alliance for the Mentally Ill.) It was not long, 5k, but both of us, on the trail, at one point, concluded that we had to go to the bathroom. We stopped, and both saw, the usual tail of a line formed in front of those stalls designated for "women." The men's stalls were practically empty. My friend turned to me and said, "I am going to use the men's one. It is an individual stall, no men are there, why not.' Of course, I had to make a confession to her, that I actually do this all of the time, and have no qualms about using an empty stall that says MEN, if I must. The same incident occurred last night when our family went out to dinner. The woman's room had a line, and not a soul was waiting for the men's toilet. I asked the women, would you like to use the men's toilet, and all said no, so I preceded to go myself.
Why is it that so few toilets are made for women in the first place? Have you noticed, that when waiting in line, one may see 3 for men and 3 for women, but statistically, there are more women who need to use the toilets at any given time. Is it a matter of time taken, the fact that men, if they really need to go, do not necessarily need a toilet, but can eliminate themselves anywhere behind a bush, in a dark alley, or next to a vacant lot? Are public restrooms created by men, with little thought of women in mind? Do you ever find yourself in this situation? Do you ever use a toilet not marked specifically for your own sex? I would be completely surprised if any man claimed to use the woman's stalls, as opposed to a woman making a similar confession about that of a man!
All in all, the week has been good, but very busy, and next week is busier, with three trials looming large in the background. Nevertheless, I count my blessings, am happy that for today, this moment, all is well, my husband is well, my children are doing well, and I am well.
On a more serious note, let us not forget the kidnapped soldiers in Israel. Since I am somewhat technologically inept, and cannot post their pictures here, I will give a site that displays their names and pictures clearly: http://www.jewishla.org/
May these men be safely returned to their families, and let us not forget them.
Thank you for your minds.
13 Comments:
I find it incomprehensible as well. In Europe, communal toilets used to be the norm. Perhaps that's an idea whose time has arrived on our side of the big water.
Let's all pee together!
I think the reason that there are far too few womens toilets around, is because the architects are all men who have never had babies dance and finally decimate their bladders.
I hope they never make communal toilets- the thought is frankly disgusting.
Drives me crazy!
When we are on the road travelling, I see this all the time. And, if the men's washroom is available, I don't hesitate to use it.
The local theatre playhouse was recently renovated and they doubled the size and number of the women's washroom stalls. Hurray! Must've had some input by a female on the board possibly? Methinks so.
Enjoy your week! Good luck with the trials.
It's true that the line for men is usually much shorter.
I think it could be due to the fact that women need more time to get in and out.
I usually have to wait for my wife even if we enter at the same time.
It's an interesting thought. Some places are creating unisex toilets that both men and women can use together.
As someone with a dysfunctional digestive system I am all for more toilets.
That being said, I find that men are faster in the bathroom. Whatever it is that you ladies do in there, you are slow.
In my opinion, men pee all over the place, so I would wait in line to avoid walking in someone else's urine. I would be one of those ladies in line......
I can't bring myself to use the men's toilets. I will wait in line if I have too. No way!
Well, men do pee all over the place, at least at home. (where they are most comfortable.) In public, since a woman is prohibited from using a urinal, this is not an issue. Some bathrooms, like those at Starbucks and some gas stations,for instance, are unisex, and both sexes are required to use them or wait. From my own experience, these are generally clean. Just my two cents.
The concept is called Potty Parity and it's a genuine concern, IMHO. Studies show that women spend more time in the bathrooms, primarily because we usually sit down, or have some sort of uncomfortable arrangement standing up, hovering over the toilet. Men just go in, whip it out, and whiz away.
There really should be more women's bathrooms than men's, in a 2:1 ratio, preferably.
I don't think there is toilet inequity...I just think women take more time in the bathroom performing hygiene rituals. Men can be in and out. Women line toilet seats with tissues. Men never have to change their pads.
Whaaat crap! I don't know what kind of men you women are with however I never "pee all over the place, neither does my 6 year old son" How could I ever have dinner parties etc. etc. if my bathroom smelled like the NYC subway? In any event why don't you all just admit the fact that the reason you all take so long is not because of having to sit or change pads. My wife after years of practice has changing the pads or tampons down to a science. What takes you women so long is that you go in and then hold up the line by checking your lip stick and make up etc. etc. not the actual event of emptying ones bladder...Sorry if I offend anyone but it had to be said and someone has to stick up for us poor men.
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