Underdog Loire Valley Wines
How to Make a Healthy Snack
McBites = Modern McNuggets?
When Should Bars Cut You Off?
The Perfect Party Cocktail
Mark McClusky's DIY Cheese
Dear Helena,
When I go to the bathroom in a restaurant, there’s often a line. God knows what other women do in there. I can do my business, wash my hands, and refresh my lip gloss in two minutes or less. Anyway, if there’s no line for the men’s, and I’m desperate, I’ll duck in there instead. Is that OK?
—Squirming in Line
Dear Squirming in Line,
I don’t recommend barging in on a line of guys at the urinal, but if the men’s room is an individual bathroom and there’s no one waiting, it’s fine to take advantage. Marcia Gagliardi, creator of San Francisco’s Tablehopper newsletter and frequent restaurant-goer, isn’t squeamish about using the men’s room in such situations. But if a guy is waiting when she comes out, he sometimes isn’t happy. “I’ve had a few dismissive looks; I’ve even had one guy make a comment like, ‘Couldn’t wait in line, huh?’”
Sorry, guys, but a gentleman doesn’t complain if he has to wait a couple of minutes. It’s a woman’s right to use the men’s room when the women’s is too busy. Consider it one of the few little privileges we enjoy to make up for the many inequalities we suffer.
But there’s a simple way for restaurant owners to nip the bathroom inequality problem in the bud: Make the facilities unisex. Let me stress that such bathrooms should be individual units, each one with its own sink and mirror. I’m not a fan of unisex stalls with a communal sink area. This arrangement was trendy at Manhattan hot spots about five years ago, says Adam Farmerie, cofounder of AvroKO, a New York design firm best known for its work on restaurants.
“[Bathrooms] are one of the only elements where [a designer has] an opportunity to surprise,” says Farmerie. The unisex bathroom was particularly appealing in Manhattan because it saved space. And, in theory, sharing this intimate space with the opposite sex provided a pleasurable frisson.
In reality, few people find coed lavatories sexy, particularly not women. Gagliardi says, “I’d be willing to bet they are designed by men. ... Women like to put their lipstick on, check their teeth and hair, and they don’t want to do it in front of guys.”
Happily, the unisex bathroom became so ubiquitous that it was no longer risqué, and designers now have to think of new ways to surprise customers. One way, says Farmerie, is to put in “things that don’t belong there, like chairs and armoires.” He put an armoire in the bathroom of one restaurant he designed recently. “People can open the drawers and there’s a plethora of things, like mouthwash, temporary tattoos, and small religious statues.” It’s like the restaurant version of snooping in your host’s medicine cabinet.
At Peep in New York, the bathroom has a partially transparent wall, so that occupants can look out into the restaurant while remaining invisible. And at the San Francisco restaurant Conduit, Gagliardi says, “The stalls have opaque glass but you can vaguely see a figure in the stall next to you.” I used to be a member of a gym where the shower stalls displayed the silhouettes of those within. That was quite sexy. But watching a stranger lather himself with soap is one thing, and watching him reach for the toilet paper is another.
Most people in the West prefer restrooms/changing rooms remain separate by gender.
Well, if both men and women will wait the same time in a common line, it will be much more fairly than forcing only women wait in long line, while men enjoy a privilege. But I am sure it will be less lines in this case, because everyone will spend less time to get his/her business. Stalls not necessary should have all facilities like sink, large space etc. It can have just a wall and a small...+READ
Well, if both men and women will wait the same time in a common line, it will be much more fairly than forcing only women wait in long line, while men enjoy a privilege. But I am sure it will be less lines in this case, because everyone will spend less time to get his/her business. Stalls not necessary should have all facilities like sink, large space etc. It can have just a wall and a small door. That's it. As simple as possible.-COLLAPSE
Unisex facilities would solve nothing. Urinals would be removed. The lines for men would move as slowly as the women do now.
Unisex is European socialism run amok. Terrible idea.
You're right, she should have. Just like if it was a little boy and the dad was present he should have felt obligated to take the boy to the men's room with him instead of going with mom. Kids start learning those rules early.
It also matters if the men's room was just one toilet and sink, or a bigger room with urinals. I happen to think little girls should never be brought into bigger men's...+READ
You're right, she should have. Just like if it was a little boy and the dad was present he should have felt obligated to take the boy to the men's room with him instead of going with mom. Kids start learning those rules early.
It also matters if the men's room was just one toilet and sink, or a bigger room with urinals. I happen to think little girls should never be brought into bigger men's rooms by their dads.-COLLAPSE
I saw the child/opposite gender situation in a restaurant just a few days ago. A man and woman with a little girl, looked about 3, were at a table. He gets up and takes the girl to the men's room. I know how attached little girls are to their fathers and I mentioned a child's innocence in another post but I think if the mother was there she should have taken the girl.
I don't think anyone was...+READ
I saw the child/opposite gender situation in a restaurant just a few days ago. A man and woman with a little girl, looked about 3, were at a table. He gets up and takes the girl to the men's room. I know how attached little girls are to their fathers and I mentioned a child's innocence in another post but I think if the mother was there she should have taken the girl.
I don't think anyone was in the men's room when they went in.-COLLAPSE
Anyway - stalls arrangement in the unisex facilities would solve the problem for all...
"Ok Helena,So I,As a guy will use the woman's restroom & will be there when you put your lipstick on, check your teeth and hair, and i don't want to hear you whining that you don't want to do it in front of guys.”
How would you like it if i used your restroom & held it up for you to use even though it isn't for you? How would you like it if i was in the woman's room while you are peeing? How...+READ
"Ok Helena,So I,As a guy will use the woman's restroom & will be there when you put your lipstick on, check your teeth and hair, and i don't want to hear you whining that you don't want to do it in front of guys.”
How would you like it if i used your restroom & held it up for you to use even though it isn't for you? How would you like it if i was in the woman's room while you are peeing? How would you like it if i told you to stop complaining?--Gender Equality Helena:Either it's all okay,Or none of it is,Plain And Simple"
Well, I am not Helena (sorry), but I am a woman and if you want to know my opinion: no problem with me at all. I don't feel uncomfortable to do anything in front of men. And I am pretty sure that other women could get used to it too.
But - in case of the unisex facilities it could be better just to take the mirrors out of the restroom - it would safe a space.-COLLAPSE
I know,Right bluecheez.
Which doesn't even come close to explaining why their older sisters 16-18 and moms 30+ feel they have a god given right to use the mens when their line is long.
Thank You zooma.
12-14? That's crazy. I mean, up to a certain age there is an innocence involved and it can be overlooked. But a 12-14 year old adolescent girl thinks much differently than a 2-4 year old toddler girl.
Ya,I've had girls in the mens room,-I know that if a child is really,really young they can't go into the restroom alone but I've had girls probably 12-14 come in with their dads,-Why can't they just go in the womens room alone?-And i had a woman come in the mens room at a sports game once,-Weird & i couldn't pee until they left!-Happened to you bluecheez?
happened to you too billy?
Totally! YA!
Open toilets would certainly level the playing field for sure. Then maybe they'd see how they like it - what every guy has had happen at least once at a stadium trying to pee when women are coming into the men's room. Aggravating!
Ha!-Ya,That should solve it.
Of course not, they're cowards man. I say take all toilet stalls out of men's rooms and just have open troughs for peeing and pooping. No cowardly women will use these in full view - problem solved.
Ya & I'd like them to answer mine too but I've got a feeling they aren't touching it with a 300 foot pole.
I really would like to hear them answer this one question of yours, billy: "How would you like it if i was in the woman's room while you are peeing?" Since that's the position they put us in all the time - and it's not even as if they use urinals, they're behind a stall peeing.
Thanks bluecheez. Bravo yourself for criticizing them earlier.
Bravo, billywms. Nice indictment of their typical feminist double standards.
WATCHING a stranger lather himself!-That's perverted!-Hey Gagliardi:Where do you live?-I'd like to come watch you shower ok?
Ok Helena,So I,As a guy will use the woman's restroom & will be there when you put your lipstick on, check your teeth and hair, and i don't want to hear you whining that you don't want to do it in front of guys.”
How would you like it if i used your restroom & held it up for you to use even though it isn't for you? How would you like it if i was in the woman's room while you are peeing? How...+READ
Ok Helena,So I,As a guy will use the woman's restroom & will be there when you put your lipstick on, check your teeth and hair, and i don't want to hear you whining that you don't want to do it in front of guys.”
How would you like it if i used your restroom & held it up for you to use even though it isn't for you? How would you like it if i was in the woman's room while you are peeing? How would you like it if i told you to stop complaining?--Gender Equality Helena:Either it's all okay,Or none of it is,Plain And Simple.-COLLAPSE
First of all, as I already wrote, women also can urinate standing up - using urinating funnels (Shewee, Freshette, P-Mate etc.), so it is not only male who can urinate this way. Why not of them are doing it, is another question (by the way, it could be a question for girls of this forum: do you use such funnels?)
What you call "urinating privacy needs" is totally a matter of a culture: the fact...+READ
First of all, as I already wrote, women also can urinate standing up - using urinating funnels (Shewee, Freshette, P-Mate etc.), so it is not only male who can urinate this way. Why not of them are doing it, is another question (by the way, it could be a question for girls of this forum: do you use such funnels?)
What you call "urinating privacy needs" is totally a matter of a culture: the fact is that people of different cultures understand needs in "urinating privacy" different: Asian people and a lot of Europeans do not have any problem to piss in front of people of opposite gender. For such people using of unisex facilities including open urinals should not be a problem at all. And those like you, who wishes more privacy and do not want to share urinals with opposite gender, can always use private stalls instead. No one forces you to use urinals in front of women - just use the stalls!
Besides, it is not necessary always to hold both stalls and urinals in the same place: unisex facilities can be done only with stalls inside. I saw such arrangement in different places in Sweden and it moved very well: there was a short line of women and men all together that went very quickly. No one should squirm in a long line and everyone receives such kind of "privacy" that you insist for.
As for improving arrangements in female WC, it should be a matter of both genders to be deal with this thing, like all with other problems in the world: women do for men and men should do for women. In case that, let's say, WCs designers in a new office being built are all male, they still need to think about women using this building, and the opposite. It is not a right way to say that female toilets' arrangement should solely be a women's problem: such approach will lead to a war of the sexes, as women will refuse to do anything for men. We live in this world together and should cooperate with each other.-COLLAPSE
And you "ninka kartinka", apparently don't understand the definition of "double standard". You were totally silent in answering my question, why should men have to urinate with women watching behind their backs? In regard to your statement: "what is a problem for those who urinate standing up just to turn their back to the public so nobody will see their façade?" MALES are the only ones who...+READ
And you "ninka kartinka", apparently don't understand the definition of "double standard". You were totally silent in answering my question, why should men have to urinate with women watching behind their backs? In regard to your statement: "what is a problem for those who urinate standing up just to turn their back to the public so nobody will see their façade?" MALES are the only ones who urinate standing up. So obviously you have one standard of privacy for males, and a different standard of privacy for females, who get private stalls to urinate in. That's called double standards, and you perpetuate them against males.
On the "long lines" issue in female restrooms at Oktoberfest and other places, I answered that in my first post. Install female-urinals and teach women to use them. Mandate they use them by law. Then men's and women's restrooms will move at the same pace. Slow toilet usage is a women-created dilemma for women to solve themselves - not dump it in the laps of men like you're doing. Live up to the feminist equal rights you demand, solve your own problems!-COLLAPSE
Sorry, I guess it was a system bug – now I can see my recent comment.
What you are writing, bluecheez, is a total nonsense showing that it is you who actually perpetuates double standards. You are totally silent about what I wrote regarding long lines in female toilets at Oktoberfest and the only subject that drew your interest was whether I entered men's toilet without warning men outside! If...+READ
Sorry, I guess it was a system bug – now I can see my recent comment.
What you are writing, bluecheez, is a total nonsense showing that it is you who actually perpetuates double standards. You are totally silent about what I wrote regarding long lines in female toilets at Oktoberfest and the only subject that drew your interest was whether I entered men's toilet without warning men outside! If it is what really bothers you, then I can send you pictures posted in public places over the Internet showing what the male WC arrangement in the Oktoberfest area is. No need to enter places by your own in order to know how they are arranged. And you need to be blind not to see that there is no line in men's restroom while men entering and exiting every second!
Installing open-air urinals does not mean that men cannot use indoor restrooms: they just enjoy both arrangement - open-air and indoor, while women have only very poor amount of the indoor toilets (unless they buy urinating funnels and use the open-air urinals, like men)!
I saw men urinating in the streets almost in all places where I travelled (including US, but it was a very long time ago). I am more than happy to hear that women's toilets in US today are larger that the men's ones (I guess you don't see lines in female toilets in US, don't you?)-COLLAPSE
Why my recent comment was deleted?
What country do female restrooms have more space than men's rooms? The United States. Ever heard of it? And why were you entering the men's restrooms at Oktoberfest and other large festivals where men already have little privacy as it is? For "research" purposes I suppose. Did you warn the men inside to cover up before you entered or did you just barge in rudely? I'll repeat what I said before,...+READ
What country do female restrooms have more space than men's rooms? The United States. Ever heard of it? And why were you entering the men's restrooms at Oktoberfest and other large festivals where men already have little privacy as it is? For "research" purposes I suppose. Did you warn the men inside to cover up before you entered or did you just barge in rudely? I'll repeat what I said before, any women who follow what you advocate should be arrested. Just like you would demand for any man who entered a busy ladies room, except he would also be labeled a sex offender, while you women would not.
As for your last paragraph, I don't even know where to begin. Restrooms are segregated by gender just like prisons are segregated by gender, for very obvious reasons to most of civilization. Again, I don't know where you live that you see millions of men urinating in streets and roads but that's nowhere I've ever been. So-called "open-air" urinals are a travesty to the male gender. Why men in those European and Asian cities tolerate this double standard is beyond me. Apparently only female citizens of those cities are worthy of indoor toilets? No funds available for indoor male toilets when males pay their fair share of taxes? I can promise you, this will never become an "accepted norm" in the USA!
Why should men have to urinate with women watching behind our backs (or getting a side view as is often the case)? You women would never tolerate men watching your back, side or front while you sit on a bare toilet and urinate! Stop perpetuating double standards.-COLLAPSE
I don't know in what country you saw female restrooms having more space than male ones. Almost every place where I was interested in WC's arrangement the men's restroom had the same number of WC cabins as women's one plus number of urinals.
Go, for example, to the famous beer festival Oktoberfest in Munich where thousands of women really suffer waiting in long lines for toilet while men entering...+READ
I don't know in what country you saw female restrooms having more space than male ones. Almost every place where I was interested in WC's arrangement the men's restroom had the same number of WC cabins as women's one plus number of urinals.
Go, for example, to the famous beer festival Oktoberfest in Munich where thousands of women really suffer waiting in long lines for toilet while men entering and exiting their loos in minutes due to convenient and spacy facilities provided for them! It is really unfair. And there are much more examples – almost every festival and concert provides the same sad picture.
Yes, I agree that installing urinals in ladies rooms can solve the queue problem, and the good example are UK festivals, where companies like Shewee put female urinals and sell urinating devices enabling women to urinate standing up. But, unfortunately, it is still a rare solution.
As for the unisex facilities: what is a problem for those who urinate standing up (either a man or a woman using urinating funnel) just to turn their back to the public so nobody will see their façade? Millions of men all over the world do it in the streets and roads (not to mention open-air urinals installed in some European cities and towns like Amsterdam, London, Ghent and widely used by men without any shame).-COLLAPSE
Why would all WC designers still be men in 2011? Women have been working in architecture and design for decades now. That's a cop-out. If anything there's MORE space in ladies rooms. Heck there's often room for a couch and a diaper changing table. It's not the fault of men that the space in ladies rooms is so poorly utilized. Why not install female-urinals to cut time? They do exist and they work...+READ
Why would all WC designers still be men in 2011? Women have been working in architecture and design for decades now. That's a cop-out. If anything there's MORE space in ladies rooms. Heck there's often room for a couch and a diaper changing table. It's not the fault of men that the space in ladies rooms is so poorly utilized. Why not install female-urinals to cut time? They do exist and they work very well. Why not take mirrors out to discourage primping which holds up the line? Unisex restrooms are embarrassing and dangerous for both genders.
As for your insistence that women keep using men's rooms, then I think those of you who do should be arrested. Also I suggest that all stalls be removed from men's rooms. So then you women who barge in will have to sit on a bare toilet in front of a bunch of guys. Which is how it is for us having to use urinals, no privacy. This will put an end to women invading men's rooms because you gals won't use a toilet unless there's a stall to close.-COLLAPSE
"The principle is really quite simple. Women, and men that require a toilet, have their"
-
Yes, but women's toilet ALWAYS has less space than men's: they put urinals in the men's restroom providing double space in there! Instead of enlarging ladies rooms considering that woman need more time to use it (and they usually attend more concerts, festivals, theaters etc.), they shrink them! This fact...+READ
"The principle is really quite simple. Women, and men that require a toilet, have their"
-
Yes, but women's toilet ALWAYS has less space than men's: they put urinals in the men's restroom providing double space in there! Instead of enlarging ladies rooms considering that woman need more time to use it (and they usually attend more concerts, festivals, theaters etc.), they shrink them! This fact causes lines in women's toilet. This is a real inequity. Isn't because all WC designers are men?
The solution can be either enlarging rooms for ladies either building unisex facilities. In the mean time I am sure that women should use men's toilets in case there is a line in their place. Why men should have privilege not to stand in line for the toilet and women should squirm in line?-COLLAPSE
My dear, you are welcome to watch me pee, anytime.
Also this is not about inequality you fu****ing morons.
What a disgusting question, only sickos and abnormal people would dwell into this.
Heh what, are you out of your mind!?
Hell no, you can't use the men's bathroom, you wacko sow! I stay out of your room and you do the same with mine! It's just that simple--are you stupid!?
And I'd bet that you've never even met a real, actual, genuine gentleman that you could say anything about that!
Stay out! You stay in your room, and I will respectfully do the same! What the hell is...+READ
Heh what, are you out of your mind!?
Hell no, you can't use the men's bathroom, you wacko sow! I stay out of your room and you do the same with mine! It's just that simple--are you stupid!?
And I'd bet that you've never even met a real, actual, genuine gentleman that you could say anything about that!
Stay out! You stay in your room, and I will respectfully do the same! What the hell is wrong with you!-COLLAPSE
Unbe-freakin-lievable. And THAT sports fans is how misogynists are born. Women want equality (no shit, who doesn't) but insist on separate rules. Women are doctors, lawyers, MEMBERS OF THE SUPREME COURT, and you still keep crying foul. You've been elected into office, owned fortune 500 companies, been CEOs, leaders of industry, and brilliant scientific researchers but it's not enough. Now, after...+READ
Unbe-freakin-lievable. And THAT sports fans is how misogynists are born. Women want equality (no shit, who doesn't) but insist on separate rules. Women are doctors, lawyers, MEMBERS OF THE SUPREME COURT, and you still keep crying foul. You've been elected into office, owned fortune 500 companies, been CEOs, leaders of industry, and brilliant scientific researchers but it's not enough. Now, after all that the "weaker sex" has accomplished you're talking about how you have the "right" to cut in front of men because you're a woman? Get real! Equality has been achieved, get over yourselves. Yes there are men who look down on women, as there are women who look down on men, but you're literally perpetuating a negative culture back and forth with some of this dribble. You want equality; open your own damn doors then. Honestly, even my wife (a woman in case you hadn't noticed) thinks you're ridiculous.-COLLAPSE
I suppose the goal of "gender neutral" is the removal of urinals, mandating that men sit down to urinate, and males evolving into females over time?
"Sorry, guys, but a gentleman doesn’t complain if he has to wait a couple of minutes. It’s a woman’s right to use the men’s room when the women’s is too busy. Consider it one of the few little privileges we enjoy to make up for the many inequalities we suffer."
Victim mentality really does wonders to solve problems. Really.
I'm a man who will use the individual womens room in a pinch. I have no...+READ
"Sorry, guys, but a gentleman doesn’t complain if he has to wait a couple of minutes. It’s a woman’s right to use the men’s room when the women’s is too busy. Consider it one of the few little privileges we enjoy to make up for the many inequalities we suffer."
Victim mentality really does wonders to solve problems. Really.
I'm a man who will use the individual womens room in a pinch. I have no problem with women doing the same. I support gender neutral bathrooms. I wish our commentary could be gender neutral as well.-COLLAPSE
"And, in theory, sharing this intimate space with the opposite sex provided a pleasurable frisson."
No.
Have to agree with the guys on this one. If we get to use theirs, they get to use ours. Careful what you wish for ladies.
"It’s a woman’s -RIGHT- to use the men’s room when the women’s is too busy. Consider it one of the few little privileges we enjoy to make up for the many inequalities we suffer."
Ahahahaha! Pardon me, but as a gentleman I must laugh at this asinine comment. Especially because I *know* you would find the opposite situation to be rude and offensive. Don't deny the sexism of your whole post. It is...+READ
"It’s a woman’s -RIGHT- to use the men’s room when the women’s is too busy. Consider it one of the few little privileges we enjoy to make up for the many inequalities we suffer."
Ahahahaha! Pardon me, but as a gentleman I must laugh at this asinine comment. Especially because I *know* you would find the opposite situation to be rude and offensive. Don't deny the sexism of your whole post. It is transparent. Good day.-COLLAPSE
Tip o' the hat back to you, BadFish. Gentleman or lady, respectively. Feel free to expound on your extreme offense, lol.
WOW. I was extremely offended when I read this and I automatically thought I had to comment. I didn't have an account so I had to register, then I started to read the comments and saw that all these fine GENTLEMEN took care of that for me. Tip of the hat to you sirs.
Sure a woman can use a man's stall, just watch out for the glory holes.
Great comment there, drochalsey. Interesting how in this debate the word mysoginy is often thrown out by women and feminized-males to tar all guys who won't accomodate their demands for "special rights" - which supercede the right of males to have a private restroom.
Not to mention their "right" to enter ALL locker rooms, men's clubs, dorms, military institutions, etc... We could be here all...+READ
Great comment there, drochalsey. Interesting how in this debate the word mysoginy is often thrown out by women and feminized-males to tar all guys who won't accomodate their demands for "special rights" - which supercede the right of males to have a private restroom.
Not to mention their "right" to enter ALL locker rooms, men's clubs, dorms, military institutions, etc... We could be here all day. Indeed, misandry is a real word and the writer of this article should pick up a book and learn the definition.-COLLAPSE
If it is a single bathroom with a locked door, I have used the ladies room when there was someone in the mens room.
But I was sure to leave the seat down when I was done, and wipe up the vanity LOL
I agree guys; but save it.
She's obviously a feminist-zealot who thinks that she and other females should be able to selfishly and self-servingly "...have their cake and
eat it too..." simply because she's miffed that she was born a female. So 'WE' are AUTOMATICALLY the bad-guys (notice how she even
presumptuously and preposturingly makes the "straw-man" of, "...a 'gentleman' doesn't...+READ
I agree guys; but save it.
She's obviously a feminist-zealot who thinks that she and other females should be able to selfishly and self-servingly "...have their cake and
eat it too..." simply because she's miffed that she was born a female. So 'WE' are AUTOMATICALLY the bad-guys (notice how she even
presumptuously and preposturingly makes the "straw-man" of, "...a 'gentleman' doesn't complain if...," so that (self-servingly for her, that is)
ANY of us that DO complain are AUTOMATICALLY 'NOT gentlemen' -- without the benefit of proving such or stating her source.)
Unless I miss my guess here; she'll probably do one of two things:
1) Dismiss ALL of these like-wise remarks as having no substance (denial -- for her sactimonious, "little-tin-god" posturing and misandry --
does, after all, probably make it easier for her to sleep at night.)
OR;
2) Use her position to write an article (subtly or otherwise) (c)overtly bashing men and/or (c)overtly bewailing how oppressed her ilk have it;
and, ALL because we DARED to say, "...we disagree..."
What she will (probably) NOT do:
Learn about her own misandry, learn about her hatred for anyone she can't sculpt-into-a-being (her idea of a man) that'll kiss her @$$ AND
learn (from us) what we really think, feel and do in life.
And don't even hold your breath for an apology.
With that said, I'm sure she is (or her minions and she are) chomping-at-the-bit to spew further venom-laced, caveat-like attacks.
It's like the aptly-named show "Oxygen" -- a word that literally translates as "born of acid" -- it has little else of value to offer; similarly, (oft-wise) does she.-COLLAPSE
"...It’s a woman’s right to use the men’s room when the women’s is too busy...."
And what if it was reversed? If women want to be treated equal, don't ask/expect for special rights!
"Sorry, guys, but a gentleman doesn’t complain if he has to wait a couple of minutes. It’s a woman’s right to use the men’s room when the women’s is too busy."
that is bull. if women want to be considered equal then they shouldn't expect special treatment. If the situation was turned around women would be complaining about their privacey. Well guess what men like privacy as well and if we have...+READ
"Sorry, guys, but a gentleman doesn’t complain if he has to wait a couple of minutes. It’s a woman’s right to use the men’s room when the women’s is too busy."
that is bull. if women want to be considered equal then they shouldn't expect special treatment. If the situation was turned around women would be complaining about their privacey. Well guess what men like privacy as well and if we have to wait in line if there is one then so do women.-COLLAPSE
I'm not really sure why "nice" guys should offer their place in line either. That pisses me off too, when a few guys with misplaced chivalry decide for the whole men's room that their girlfriends get to enter with them. This always happens at concerts and similar events. Remember it's not just a jumping line issue...us guys deserve PRIVACY as much as you "nice" ladies do.
Couldn't agree more with Doc. Chimp. As a woman, I have no idea what makes you think that you have some privilege because you happened to be born with a vagina. Its women like you that will make nice guys not OFFER their place in line...because they are pissed off that you think they owe you something. Guys owe you nothing. No more than women owe guys something. Guys, if you are waiting in line...+READ
Couldn't agree more with Doc. Chimp. As a woman, I have no idea what makes you think that you have some privilege because you happened to be born with a vagina. Its women like you that will make nice guys not OFFER their place in line...because they are pissed off that you think they owe you something. Guys owe you nothing. No more than women owe guys something. Guys, if you are waiting in line when a girl comes out of the MENS restroom, kick her in the butt on the way past. Equal rights MEANS equal responsibility!-COLLAPSE
Probably not too far fetched there, Shabulia. There have been initiatives in Europe to remove all urinals and for schools to teach males to pee sitting down, under the guise of sanitary concerns, but just more feminist immasculating of men if you ask me. Just a matter of time before all "unisex" facilities arrives in the west. So your question of what else do women want us to give up for them is...+READ
Probably not too far fetched there, Shabulia. There have been initiatives in Europe to remove all urinals and for schools to teach males to pee sitting down, under the guise of sanitary concerns, but just more feminist immasculating of men if you ask me. Just a matter of time before all "unisex" facilities arrives in the west. So your question of what else do women want us to give up for them is right on the mark.-COLLAPSE
I find it incredibly ironic that a woman would say this after they have gotten their way with women's lib yet men still are expected to hold the door open for women, we should coddle a crying girlfriend, we have to share everything yet women are allowed their privacy....
What privillages do men enjoy over women nowadays? Custody goes to the woman, alomony to the woman, women live longer, women...+READ
I find it incredibly ironic that a woman would say this after they have gotten their way with women's lib yet men still are expected to hold the door open for women, we should coddle a crying girlfriend, we have to share everything yet women are allowed their privacy....
What privillages do men enjoy over women nowadays? Custody goes to the woman, alomony to the woman, women live longer, women are more likely to be promoted In the workplace, men are immasculated left and right by modern society's standards and now we can't even have our own bathroom?
A woman waiting should get mad at the women before them who were holding up the line in the first place. It's not a man's fault that women take more time in the bathroom. What else do women want from us? Should we just cut off our penis, give it to them, and call it a day?-COLLAPSE
"Sorry, guys, but a gentleman doesn’t complain if he has to wait a couple of minutes. It’s a woman’s right to use the men’s room when the women’s is too busy. Consider it one of the few little privileges we enjoy to make up for the many inequalities we suffer."
I signed up just to comment on this, are you fucking kidding me?
Who the fuck are you? I'm sure you'll write an article next about how...+READ
"Sorry, guys, but a gentleman doesn’t complain if he has to wait a couple of minutes. It’s a woman’s right to use the men’s room when the women’s is too busy. Consider it one of the few little privileges we enjoy to make up for the many inequalities we suffer."
I signed up just to comment on this, are you fucking kidding me?
Who the fuck are you? I'm sure you'll write an article next about how women should be treated completely equal right?
I'm a guy and yes I'm a little bias towards women and I'll give them some leeway and help one out. I'd even let one cut in front of me if they asked me, I don't see a problem with that at all.
But that little piece of self-entitlement you casually threw out is really pushing the line is some piece of work. Christ why don't you go walk around a bar and drop that in some conversations, I wonder how many ice packs you'd need in the morning.-COLLAPSE
"Sorry, guys, but a gentleman doesn’t complain if he has to wait a couple of minutes. It’s a woman’s right to use the men’s room when the women’s is too busy. Consider it one of the few little privileges we enjoy to make up for the many inequalities we suffer."
I know I'm a little late to the party on this, but as a female, this is one of the most disgusting things I've read in a while.
If you...+READ
"Sorry, guys, but a gentleman doesn’t complain if he has to wait a couple of minutes. It’s a woman’s right to use the men’s room when the women’s is too busy. Consider it one of the few little privileges we enjoy to make up for the many inequalities we suffer."
I know I'm a little late to the party on this, but as a female, this is one of the most disgusting things I've read in a while.
If you aren't willing to "wait a few minutes in line" to use the restroom, why should the man be any more willing to do so? If the men's room was too busy, would you be happy to see a man walking out of the ladies' room, holding up your turn to use the facilities? I'd guess not.-COLLAPSE
"Sorry, guys, but a gentleman doesn’t complain if he has to wait a couple of minutes. It’s a woman’s right to use the men’s room when the women’s is too busy. Consider it one of the few little privileges we enjoy to make up for the many inequalities we suffer."
So because you perceive that women "suffer many inequalities", you arbitrarily impose your self-entitlement on a man who might need to...+READ
"Sorry, guys, but a gentleman doesn’t complain if he has to wait a couple of minutes. It’s a woman’s right to use the men’s room when the women’s is too busy. Consider it one of the few little privileges we enjoy to make up for the many inequalities we suffer."
So because you perceive that women "suffer many inequalities", you arbitrarily impose your self-entitlement on a man who might need to use the bathroom even more than you? Sexism is a bad thing, so men should pay the price?
Well done, hypocrite.-COLLAPSE
Personally, all I care about is the rule of law. If there's no law or ordinance prohibiting the use of either bathroom, I don't think there should be a problem. As a single father, I have a problem with the fact that so many 'women's' bathrooms have diaper changing stations whereas the 'men's' bathrooms will have no facilities for the care of babies whatsoever. What's sauce for the goose should...+READ
Personally, all I care about is the rule of law. If there's no law or ordinance prohibiting the use of either bathroom, I don't think there should be a problem. As a single father, I have a problem with the fact that so many 'women's' bathrooms have diaper changing stations whereas the 'men's' bathrooms will have no facilities for the care of babies whatsoever. What's sauce for the goose should be sauce for the gander.-COLLAPSE
Kinda disingenuous to say, "To start off, I don't really care whether women use the mens room or not.." Then immediately launch into an argument about why women should NOT be in the men's room. Either you're personally uncomfortable with women being there, or you're not.
I hardly think a philosophical discussion of "privileges and equalities" is motivation enough to bother joining this site and...+READ
Kinda disingenuous to say, "To start off, I don't really care whether women use the mens room or not.." Then immediately launch into an argument about why women should NOT be in the men's room. Either you're personally uncomfortable with women being there, or you're not.
I hardly think a philosophical discussion of "privileges and equalities" is motivation enough to bother joining this site and posting on this thread. I am straightforward enough to admit, yes, something about sharing a multi-user public restroom with the opposite sex makes me uncomfortable. I just wish other men could also cut through the bull.-COLLAPSE
Wow, really. This is one of of most sexist comments I've heard.
Sorry, guys, but a gentleman doesn’t complain if he has to wait a couple of minutes. It’s a woman’s right to use the men’s room when the women’s is too busy. Consider it one of the few little privileges we enjoy to make up for the many inequalities we suffer.
Your self entitlement is ignorant. The women shouldn't be using the...+READ
Wow, really. This is one of of most sexist comments I've heard.
Sorry, guys, but a gentleman doesn’t complain if he has to wait a couple of minutes. It’s a woman’s right to use the men’s room when the women’s is too busy. Consider it one of the few little privileges we enjoy to make up for the many inequalities we suffer.
Your self entitlement is ignorant. The women shouldn't be using the woman's bathroom as the men respect the woman's privacy and don't use their bathroom.-COLLAPSE
Helena, totally wrong to use your gender to get your way. Just typical female mentality to believe you are in the right and everyone else is in the wrong. There are some things in life are meant not to be crossed so get over yourself.
Nothing but love! :-D
To start off, I don't really care whether women use the mens room or not..
But to say it's "..a woman’s right to use the men’s room when the women’s is too busy. Consider it one of the few little privileges we enjoy to make up for the many inequalities we suffer." is complete bullshit!
When a men's room is labeled as men's room, its obviously NOT intended for women nor do they have any sort of...+READ
To start off, I don't really care whether women use the mens room or not..
But to say it's "..a woman’s right to use the men’s room when the women’s is too busy. Consider it one of the few little privileges we enjoy to make up for the many inequalities we suffer." is complete bullshit!
When a men's room is labeled as men's room, its obviously NOT intended for women nor do they have any sort of privileged right. Although, women should feel relief. From what I observe, there is a growing many places which offer only single room unisex and womens restroom. PERHAPS there you have your right.
I don't need to hear any blathering on about equalities. You want to complain about inequalities, be expected to be treated EXACTLY as a man. Don't expect any chivalry like opening doors and pulling out chairs among the nearly endless things we do for you women because apparently you don't have the strength or it's too dirty and gross.. HENCE your inequality to men.-COLLAPSE
The Ines Sainz incident in the Jets locker room serves as a perfect example for why there is no good excuse for women to EVER enter a MENS restroom.
I'm not a fan of unisex anything. Just the word evokes this notion of dirtiness. I've seen the inside of the lady's room I don't blame her.
But I'm not a fan of unisex. Not unisex shoes, unisex bathrooms. I want my own pair of shoes thank you and I don't want to have to question whether the last person who put them on had something contagious or not or whether they washed their hands or merely...+READ
I'm not a fan of unisex anything. Just the word evokes this notion of dirtiness. I've seen the inside of the lady's room I don't blame her.
But I'm not a fan of unisex. Not unisex shoes, unisex bathrooms. I want my own pair of shoes thank you and I don't want to have to question whether the last person who put them on had something contagious or not or whether they washed their hands or merely rubbed the doodoo they scooped out their butts with their fingernails onto the hand drying paper towels instead.
I mean really you couldn't just use toilet paper to get it out, flush itm then wash them along with the rest of your hands? Why must the hand drying towels suffer this disgustingness?-COLLAPSE
Isn't it interesting that you can start a sentence off about pro-equality... then turn right around and blather on about how you should be given preference over which bathroom you want because waiting in line for 5 minutes is too inconvenient for you.
I also found it pathetically biased that you asked only women about this.
The bottom line? One of the few privelages we MEN enjoy is that we...+READ
Isn't it interesting that you can start a sentence off about pro-equality... then turn right around and blather on about how you should be given preference over which bathroom you want because waiting in line for 5 minutes is too inconvenient for you.
I also found it pathetically biased that you asked only women about this.
The bottom line? One of the few privelages we MEN enjoy is that we don't wait in line for the bathroom.
Really can't stand waiting in line? Spread the word to stop putting on make-up in the bathroom. Do it at home. Trust me, it really doesn't need a touch up. I attribute the issue in itself to American mentality. Why fix the problem, when we can move somewhere else and forget all about it?-COLLAPSE
No to woman in man's restroom, woman has a more complex personal hygiene, it cannot be accepted.
No interaction with woman in rest room.
You wouldn't have a line if girls didn't do the extras in the bathroom. MAKEUP IS NOT A GIVEN RIGHT. taking a piss IS. using the facilities only would speed up the girls line bye almost the same as the guys. That is allw e do. Girls act like it is a necessity for makeup. You are stuck up and act like you are queen of the earth/. girls are not. they do not deserve something because they don't want...+READ
You wouldn't have a line if girls didn't do the extras in the bathroom. MAKEUP IS NOT A GIVEN RIGHT. taking a piss IS. using the facilities only would speed up the girls line bye almost the same as the guys. That is allw e do. Girls act like it is a necessity for makeup. You are stuck up and act like you are queen of the earth/. girls are not. they do not deserve something because they don't want to stop doing something or just do one thing. Girls grow up be fair. you fought for equality. you got it. you have your bathroom we men have ours. don't use ours because you are impatient and cant stand how you as a woman act in a bathroom. And for those girls who use the bathroom for what it is thank you. For the girls who do the extras thats not what a public bathroom is for.-COLLAPSE
And what inequalities? In todays society women are treated better then men by employers and police and even have to pay less for insurance! Its those who are under the age of 18 who should be complaining about the inequalities of our societies!
Its called the mens bathroom. If you can't get into the womens bathroom, it is no reason that you women should just make another one in the mens room. You want to know why mens bathrooms never have lines? Its simple enough. Its because WE DONT USE IT FOR ANY THING OTHER THEN GOING TO THE BATHROOM! We don't feel the need to occupy any space within the bathroom for more then 30 seconds, we dont go...+READ
Its called the mens bathroom. If you can't get into the womens bathroom, it is no reason that you women should just make another one in the mens room. You want to know why mens bathrooms never have lines? Its simple enough. Its because WE DONT USE IT FOR ANY THING OTHER THEN GOING TO THE BATHROOM! We don't feel the need to occupy any space within the bathroom for more then 30 seconds, we dont go into the bathroom so we can have a "private" conversation with one of our friends, and we dont stand in front of the mirror for an hour fiddling with our hair until we're satisfied with the way it looks! Ladies, if you have to use the mens room, only use it if you absolutely have to. when a man uses the bathroom, his objective is to get in, do his business, and then get out as quickly as possible. Dont jjust stand in bathroom talking on your phone. Get in and get out!-COLLAPSE
i can piss so fast it's crazy. if i need to pee i will go where i can. better then a leg bag.
"Sorry, guys, but a gentleman doesn’t complain if he has to wait a couple of minutes. It’s a woman’s right to use the men’s room when the women’s is too busy"
Please, don't make me gag. Equality and Chivalry in the traditional sense can't exist together peacefully, choose one. You can't have (and you definitely shouldn't expect) both.
I've stated previously that single-user restrooms are fair game for whoever needs them. I don't see a need to gender-label those rooms. But those kind are few and far between. The main thrust of the two comments previous to mine was about large, gender-specific rooms. One of the comments mentioned tripping over a squatting woman and getting her urine on him. Exactly how is that not a "hot...+READ
I've stated previously that single-user restrooms are fair game for whoever needs them. I don't see a need to gender-label those rooms. But those kind are few and far between. The main thrust of the two comments previous to mine was about large, gender-specific rooms. One of the comments mentioned tripping over a squatting woman and getting her urine on him. Exactly how is that not a "hot encounter" in the mind of a guy? That's the problem in a nutshell. Just as men shouldn't be inside the womens room because of obvious reasons, women shouldn't be inside the mens room either. It promotes voyeurism and lewdness. In large venues, it's usually not just one woman, but a line waiting for the stalls inside the restroom. And excuse me, but we all know they see a lot more than the back of mens' shirts and pants. There are often no dividers and walking around to sinks and stalls affords one a view of everything! When would a comparable opportunity ever arise for men to spy on women urinating? Maybe when hell freezes over.
The urgent need argument has been debated here many times before. Grown women aren't children in need of our help, that's insulting to their intelligence and the equality they fought for. The case has been made brilliantly that women should seek compassion from the other women occupying their restroom by gossiping in stalls and primping in the mirrors. They shouldn't expect men to give up their privacy when we didn't cause the long lines. Other women did. So forgive me if I don't buy the compassion argument. It's just too conveniently used to justify what some men want - women to be voyeurs during their intimate moments.-COLLAPSE
Blue, the focus of my reply was really the one stall w/ locking door situation. Do you agree in that instance its OK for a woman to use the mens room, if she really has to go, there is someone in the ladies room & she can hit the mens room and lock the door behind her? Or is that crossing the line?
As far as the situation of a woman using a crowded mens room, I can respect you feel intruded...+READ
Blue, the focus of my reply was really the one stall w/ locking door situation. Do you agree in that instance its OK for a woman to use the mens room, if she really has to go, there is someone in the ladies room & she can hit the mens room and lock the door behind her? Or is that crossing the line?
As far as the situation of a woman using a crowded mens room, I can respect you feel intruded upon - thats certainly a valid opinion and I admitted I personally have a double standard in that situation (the world to me isnt black and white and 100% fair in every situation). All Im saying is Im indifferent, and surprised more responders arent as well - maybe its because indifference doesnt make people want to reply? Contrary to your presumptions, I dont view this as some hot situation thats going to start with flirting and devolve into some sort of encounter in the mens room. I simply dont care. Im an adult and this is a basic human function that sometimes has a mind of its own. Im not going to insist someone wet themselves in a line because I dont want them to see the back of my shirt and pants as I stand at a urinal. It just isnt important to me....-COLLAPSE
And yet again, as recent comments show, I believe my theory is correct that men who want women to use the mens room are blinded by their attraction and affection for women. But it never really works the other way around, does it? Where is the female compassion for males in the same situation? It's not about "couldn't bear the thought of a woman behind the stall door". She has to get TO the stall...+READ
And yet again, as recent comments show, I believe my theory is correct that men who want women to use the mens room are blinded by their attraction and affection for women. But it never really works the other way around, does it? Where is the female compassion for males in the same situation? It's not about "couldn't bear the thought of a woman behind the stall door". She has to get TO the stall door first and that means walking by open urinals.
Where is the respect for men in that moment? Do the men have a choice while they're engaged in the act of urinating? No, they're just forced to deal with it. That's why many of us are "bitter" over the topic. I'm sorry some other men here will never understand that because they see the mens room as a singles bar where opposite-sex flirting should happen.-COLLAPSE
Wow - this sprialed out of control quickly! Im surprised how bitter the guys are about this. If we're talking about a situation where there is a single stall mens and a single stall womens room I have no problem at all with the woman using the mens room. Why would I care - Im not in there with her? I assume anyone doing this really has to go - how about a little human compassion. Frankly Ive done...+READ
Wow - this sprialed out of control quickly! Im surprised how bitter the guys are about this. If we're talking about a situation where there is a single stall mens and a single stall womens room I have no problem at all with the woman using the mens room. Why would I care - Im not in there with her? I assume anyone doing this really has to go - how about a little human compassion. Frankly Ive done the same thing but in reverse in an emergency situation (single stall only with a locking door). I guess there are people who like to get lathered up over this, but it seems a bit selfish.
As far as the 'festival' type situation, I guess I have my own double standard - I wouldnt barge into a filled womens room to go, but I dont really care if a woman comes into the mens room - again I gotta assume she's in a rush - would I feel better about a grown person having a freaking accident because I couldnt bear the thought of them being behind a stall door?
I dunno, seems petty to me....-COLLAPSE
At music festivals, it's anything goes apparently. In 1992 I was playing at very large music festival and in one area there were actual indoor facilities. I happened to notice the extremely long line up for the women's restroom and felt bad for them as I walked into the roomy men's facilities. After using the urinal, I was backing up while zipping up and I tripped over something. It was a woman...+READ
At music festivals, it's anything goes apparently. In 1992 I was playing at very large music festival and in one area there were actual indoor facilities. I happened to notice the extremely long line up for the women's restroom and felt bad for them as I walked into the roomy men's facilities. After using the urinal, I was backing up while zipping up and I tripped over something. It was a woman who was squatting over a drainage hole in the floor and unbelievably she wasn't the only one doing it at the time. When you've got to go...you've got to go. We had a good laugh over that even though I ended up somewhat drenched in urine when she fell over. Some people would pay big bucks for that! :)-COLLAPSE
It honestly would not bother me if I had to wait to use the restroom/bathroom because a woman had to use it.
I did it 20 years ago at The Stage Deli in NYC. Got tired of waiting and had a curtain to make. Walked in, did what I needed, and left, leaving the most astonished man I've ever seen in New York waiting outside the door.
As with most things short-sighted, the idea of unisex restrooms will bite here also. Because when businesses look to cut costs, we end up with (you gussed it) one restroom. Thank you ladies, because of your quest for equality, we can now all sqirm in line together.
"Consider it one of the few little privileges we enjoy to make up for the many inequalities we suffer." Just two cents, but men and women are not unequal. There is however a clear distinction between the two, and we perform unique (but equally important) roles in this life. It's a beautiful harmony.
By the way, I agree that if a men's restroom is of the "one-at-a-time" variety, it's okay for a...+READ
"Consider it one of the few little privileges we enjoy to make up for the many inequalities we suffer." Just two cents, but men and women are not unequal. There is however a clear distinction between the two, and we perform unique (but equally important) roles in this life. It's a beautiful harmony.
By the way, I agree that if a men's restroom is of the "one-at-a-time" variety, it's okay for a woman to use it. And by the way men, make a comment to show that she is welcome and that you are obliged to wait in line. It's an opportunity to be a gentleman and show a measure of kindness toward a lady.-COLLAPSE
I have only once encountered a woman in a man's toilet. I approached her and bellowed as loudly and aggressively as I could: "THIS FACILITY IS FOR MEN. YOU ARE NOT A MAN. GET THE F*** OUT!" She left.
It is the pinnacle of rudeness for a woman to enter a men's room or vice versa and, if anyone commits this taboo, they should be spoken to like the obnoxious and inconsiderate hooliogan they are.
From reading the first few sentences I was instantly cast into the thought that the idiot of a person who wrote this article was purely sexist...and I can't say I'm wrong. To say it's OK for a female to use the male urinals (for one, it's going to raise some anatomy questions for why that female is using the male bathroom...*snicker*) is just plain ridiculous. Men cant use the Woman's room when...+READ
From reading the first few sentences I was instantly cast into the thought that the idiot of a person who wrote this article was purely sexist...and I can't say I'm wrong. To say it's OK for a female to use the male urinals (for one, it's going to raise some anatomy questions for why that female is using the male bathroom...*snicker*) is just plain ridiculous. Men cant use the Woman's room when theirs are our of order and even from a young age boys are told to NEVER (PERIOD...) go into the girls bathroom, and vice verse to young girls. Why? For starters, no one wants to have an awkward talk about what this part is and what it's used for simply because you felt that you have been shafted in getting a job because your weak female arms can't do the heavy lifting (I have YET to see any female employee's restocking ANYWHERE in a store besides the low counters and placing hangers on new clothing items in any local retail chain...) and you want to cry about something all for the sake for wanting to take your pee faster.
If you want to be on equal footing as men then go pee on a tree, or maybe your too lady like to embarrass yourself...?-COLLAPSE
It's funny how you say "it's fine", first off I don't know if there's any laws concerning this, but if a restaurant has designated men's and women's restrooms you should obey there polices. Even if there isn't a law saying you can or can't enter a restaurant is still a private establishment in which it is your privilege not your right to be there. The other thing, how pissed (no pun intended)...+READ
It's funny how you say "it's fine", first off I don't know if there's any laws concerning this, but if a restaurant has designated men's and women's restrooms you should obey there polices. Even if there isn't a law saying you can or can't enter a restaurant is still a private establishment in which it is your privilege not your right to be there. The other thing, how pissed (no pun intended) would a woman be if she saw a man walking out of the women's restroom.-COLLAPSE
Just like a woman to open her mouth and describe what a gentleman would or would not do. Please, keep your stupid remarks and suggestions to yourself. A gentleman uses the bathroom where the mans bathroom has been designated and not outside by the tree. A woman will do the same. I'm sorry you women think everything and every rule is meant for men and men only. But when it comes to a woman, well...+READ
Just like a woman to open her mouth and describe what a gentleman would or would not do. Please, keep your stupid remarks and suggestions to yourself. A gentleman uses the bathroom where the mans bathroom has been designated and not outside by the tree. A woman will do the same. I'm sorry you women think everything and every rule is meant for men and men only. But when it comes to a woman, well rules were made to be broken simply because they are the weaker sex. Sorry women, you are no more or less important than any man on this earth. Maybe thats the problem, we as men have (since birth) been told that women deserve special treatments in all aspects of life. We should protect them, serve them, inspire them, love them, support them (in every manner) and now give up our bathrooms... This is what you fought so hard for in the 60's and 70's with that "Womens Lib Crap"? You are equally on everything unless it might be of some inconvience and then it's ok for a male to be looked upon your savior? Get a life and a dictionary!-COLLAPSE
"Sorry, guys, but a gentleman doesn’t complain if he has to wait a couple of minutes. It’s a woman’s right to use the men’s room when the women’s is too busy. Consider it one of the few little privileges we enjoy to make up for the many inequalities we suffer." BULLSHT!!! I have never seen any inequalities between men and women. The only reason they dont get hired at some of the same jobs as men...+READ
"Sorry, guys, but a gentleman doesn’t complain if he has to wait a couple of minutes. It’s a woman’s right to use the men’s room when the women’s is too busy. Consider it one of the few little privileges we enjoy to make up for the many inequalities we suffer." BULLSHT!!! I have never seen any inequalities between men and women. The only reason they dont get hired at some of the same jobs as men is because most women cant lift 150-200 pound equiptment all day. So the only time women should be able to use the mens restroom is when they are at a womens party, when there is no or little men in the building.-COLLAPSE
And the women lined up inside the men's room, facing the urinals got a more exciting free show than any Fiesta happening outside. Imagine the opposite, a huge line of men entering the women's restroom, just standing there gossiping and giggling as they watch women do #1 in full view (with no stalls around the toilets) . Would anything like that ever be tolerated? Of course not. Would the women be...+READ
And the women lined up inside the men's room, facing the urinals got a more exciting free show than any Fiesta happening outside. Imagine the opposite, a huge line of men entering the women's restroom, just standing there gossiping and giggling as they watch women do #1 in full view (with no stalls around the toilets) . Would anything like that ever be tolerated? Of course not. Would the women be "amused" by it? No, they'd go for security guards and call 911 on their cellphones. All of the men would go to jail. But somehow women using men's rooms is still socially acceptable behavior in 2010.
I find it interesting how some men (a small vocal minority) project their feelings onto all of the men in the crowd. As if they took a poll and decided the majority of men were amused by it. I am certain that is just fantasy. Most men were probably irritated, some to the point of leaving immediately, but most, who believe we males have no other option than to grin and bear it, said nothing and hurried with their business and got out. I do not believe it was the happy-go-lucky, freedom-for-all atmosphere as described.
I also do not believe that in a sports crowd of 10,000, which is probably 75% male, that there were virtually no men using stalls to do #2. That's just statistically impossible. What usually ends up happening when women are allowed to take over the men's stalls is the men have nowhere to do #2, or have a long, long wait to do so. Yet another reason why this is illegal, a double standard and a violation of men's civil rights.-COLLAPSE
I once went to a bash in Arizona when the football team went to a Fiesta Bowl. There were probably 10,000 guests at this old west reproduction fort/Indian village BBQ fiesta center.
The line for the women's room was a hundred people long! There were virtually no men using stalls in the men's room, just the prodigiously huge urinals. So there became two lines of women, one for each large...+READ
I once went to a bash in Arizona when the football team went to a Fiesta Bowl. There were probably 10,000 guests at this old west reproduction fort/Indian village BBQ fiesta center.
The line for the women's room was a hundred people long! There were virtually no men using stalls in the men's room, just the prodigiously huge urinals. So there became two lines of women, one for each large bathroom. The men were amused, a little, and the women were relieved. In about half the time.
I thought it was a little freedom to adjust the rules to fit the reality. I understand the plumbing codes have been changed to require more stalls for women than for men, and that's a good thing.
Carry on!-COLLAPSE
@ Collapse: Amen to that !! You are so right on !!
Uh, no, it really isnt okay to do that. Everyone has to wait in line to use the bathroom, and if women want to be treated as equals to men, then they need to incorporate it into every aspect of their lives. If the situation were reversed, then women would be really angry and upset. Its not a womans "right" to use a mens room if the womens room is occupied. Sorry, women wanted equality, and they...+READ
Uh, no, it really isnt okay to do that. Everyone has to wait in line to use the bathroom, and if women want to be treated as equals to men, then they need to incorporate it into every aspect of their lives. If the situation were reversed, then women would be really angry and upset. Its not a womans "right" to use a mens room if the womens room is occupied. Sorry, women wanted equality, and they got it. Feminism and equality killed chivalry, sad but true.-COLLAPSE
It's encouraging to read some of the recent comments on here. At the beginning of this thread the comments by women supporting Ms. Echlin's opinion were pretty egregious. In particular a number of males in favor of giving up their own privacy to placate females. That appears to be changing. In my opinion because more men are running into these situations as they seem to be on the rise. Especially...+READ
It's encouraging to read some of the recent comments on here. At the beginning of this thread the comments by women supporting Ms. Echlin's opinion were pretty egregious. In particular a number of males in favor of giving up their own privacy to placate females. That appears to be changing. In my opinion because more men are running into these situations as they seem to be on the rise. Especially in overcrowded men's rooms at large venues like sports events, concerts, outdoor festivals, interstate rest stops, etc. where a lot of males are already exposed at urinals. When females think nothing of barging in, many males feel outraged.
The continuing double standard may be making some guys re-think their position. Whatever the reason, I'm encouraged. Some comments by FirePower and ramsespride put the emphasis where it should be, on this issue as a violation of privacy rights. Makes me proud to see guys standing up for their own rights for once.-COLLAPSE
For one it is considered a violation of privacy to use the restroom that is dedicated to the opposite sex. The other thing is that out of moral and respect, I would think that people would be considerate of other the sex that that bathroom is meant for. To be honest, if I was using a urinal and a women came into the room and asked me if it was ok if she could sneaked into one of the stalls, I...+READ
For one it is considered a violation of privacy to use the restroom that is dedicated to the opposite sex. The other thing is that out of moral and respect, I would think that people would be considerate of other the sex that that bathroom is meant for. To be honest, if I was using a urinal and a women came into the room and asked me if it was ok if she could sneaked into one of the stalls, I would probably nod my head. However, that is only because I would want to be polite. In this article I heard "Gentleman" be mentioned. Has everyone forgotten the term "Lady"?
A gentleman shouldn't mind waiting a couple minutes to use the bathroom, but a lady shouldn't try to sneak into the men's bathroom. It might be okay if you are on a road trip and you stop at a gas station. If two women have to use the bathroom badly at the same time, it might make sense for one of them to use the mens. Overall, a "Lady" should not go into the men's room in any populated area. Another thing I heard in this article was that women should get a "Few Privileges" for "The Many Inequalities We Suffer". Do women even suffer any social inequalities any more. To be honest that notion is highly irrational, unless you mean that women can't be "on-top" in the bed. Women get Many Privileges and (today) have a very low amount of Inequalities (other than biological). A woman has no right to use the men's bathroom even if their's is crowded.
I went to a private school with 500 boys and 400 girls when it was 1995. There were 6 bathrooms and when you first got to the school, you were given a bathroom pass with your name and a bathroom number on it. If you went into the wrong bathroom you could get suspended. So it didn't matter how badly I ever had to go, I always went to my bathroom and most of the other kids did too. The point I am trying to make here is that the bathroom's are labeled MEN and WOMEN for a reason. They even have the dots for blind people on the signs and those dots read "MEN" or "WOMEN". They try and make sure people use the right bathroom.
I think both ramsespride and bluecheez make excellent points. One thing that I have noticed in recent years is that women are being given more rights than men. One example is the recent proposal made by some women's rights initiative, they apparently want the women to have to climb a lower number of steps in a certain amount of time than men. This to me is bothering. If my house suddenly caught on fire and I needed rescuing, I would want someone who is 100% able to get to my house. I live in a 4 story house that is approximately 65 feet high from the ground. If one of these women who benefit from this proposal tries to get to me, then I am probably out of luck. That would stink for me. Women have all their rights because feminism is practically gone. Now it seems like they want extra rights, just like homosexuals.
I don't believe in any prejudicial things, but now it seems like your regular Joe is going to be mistreated.-COLLAPSE
"a gentleman doesn’t complain if he has to wait a couple of minutes. It’s a woman’s right to use the men’s room when the women’s is too busy. Consider it one of the few little privileges we enjoy to make up for the many inequalities we suffer."
Pardon me if I call "bull s#$%" on you. A "gentleman" can't complain... does that mean a woman can? After all the feminist movement did to try to gain...+READ
"a gentleman doesn’t complain if he has to wait a couple of minutes. It’s a woman’s right to use the men’s room when the women’s is too busy. Consider it one of the few little privileges we enjoy to make up for the many inequalities we suffer."
Pardon me if I call "bull s#$%" on you. A "gentleman" can't complain... does that mean a woman can? After all the feminist movement did to try to gain equality, you sure seem keen to promote double standards. A "lady" wouldn't put her bathroom needs above the consideration of others.
Also, if the men's line is really long, does a man have the right to jump in the womens line because it is more convenient? I would never consider going into the womens restroom, no matter how bad I had to go. It's called having respect for womens privacy. You do have a right to privacy in your own genders bathroom. Women DO NOT have the RIGHT to violate mens privacy in their bathroom.-COLLAPSE
Seriously folks if I see a woman in the male line at a restroom ahead of me I figure they're either trannys or freaks. So unless you ladies want people to think you've got a male part I recommend using your own restrooms
Tachyon, you sound like a younger dude... I believe guys my age (30s) and younger having grown up post-feminism, saw all of our mothers in the workforce, and therefore don't have a chauvinist bone in our bodies. It isn't about hating women at all. We grew up with girls going after the same careers as us, competing in the classroom...in fact, getting away with things we couldn't and getting...+READ
Tachyon, you sound like a younger dude... I believe guys my age (30s) and younger having grown up post-feminism, saw all of our mothers in the workforce, and therefore don't have a chauvinist bone in our bodies. It isn't about hating women at all. We grew up with girls going after the same careers as us, competing in the classroom...in fact, getting away with things we couldn't and getting privileges we didn't. It's men who have been pushed back in this country in the past 30 years.
So nowadays when a female claims biology makes her bodily functions more important or urgent than ours, simply because she menstruates and we don't...sorry, but I think younger guys just aren't sympathetic to that anymore. Women can't have it both ways, competing in the workplace with us, and still expecting to be given some kinda free pass into our restroom...the last remaining sanctuary for males.-COLLAPSE
I dont have a need for tampons, pads, or light-days. I have no need for wearing make-up. I have no need to wait in line for YOU to change your Tampon, or to adjust your make-up.
There is no difference in size of bladder between men and women. Go look it up yourself if you dont believe me. Its a proven medical fact! At the same time. Men dont go to the bathroom in groups. I really dont wish to...+READ
I dont have a need for tampons, pads, or light-days. I have no need for wearing make-up. I have no need to wait in line for YOU to change your Tampon, or to adjust your make-up.
There is no difference in size of bladder between men and women. Go look it up yourself if you dont believe me. Its a proven medical fact! At the same time. Men dont go to the bathroom in groups. I really dont wish to hear my homie taking a fat dump. Thats not really my hobby. I dont need to go talk to my homie in the bathroom. Usually weve said all that we need to say in private BEFORE going to the restaurant, venue, or park.
Bladder size is not an argument, your period, is not a viable argument for my wait. It isnt my fault you have your rag. It isnt my fault all the chicks in town came to the one restaurant you did, the same day you all have your rags.
It is not your RIGHT as you claim, to invade my privacy. Should I see YOU in my restroom Helena, Ill be sure to file sexual harrasment charges against you. Thats a sex offender act btw. I guess it isnt just Men who are the vicious predators. Ill gladly win one for the mans side of the Sexual Harrasment debacle.
Your inequalities?
Last time I remembered in gym class in High school. Every time there was a mile long run all the girls mysteriously had their respective rags! 4/1 female/male ratio at any College.
Female CEO's, Wasnt there a woman running for President last election? I counted two.
Women claim inequalities, then instead of trying to better themselves, they seek to steal from the staus quo already existing,(mens rights) to even the playing field. All the while womens rights are rising. This isnt about inequality. The is about preferrential treatment. Ill wager you still lay the claim that a man should surrender his seat to a woman on the subway? Well I dont hate women. I have a mother which means Im already 50% female. But I dont think one gender should be treated better (in this and most cases women are treated better).
Gender equality, plus your insistance on chivalry means you want me to treat you like a superior! o.0 sorry thats not happening.
Btw noone made you wear all those clothes your all complaining about the difficulty to get in and out of. Im sure youre not complaining about that difficulty later on that night after you found a guy to spend the evening with.
How hard is it to pull a skirt up?
Girls go to the bathrooms in droves to gossip! Ive been in womens restrooms Ive heard the convos, Its usually about Sally, Salma, Susan and whoever they spent last night with! The perfect angle routine doesnt work past 16 year olds!-COLLAPSE
actually, there might be more women with their menstrual period, in which they take longer to change, and we have stalls, which takes up more space, so we dont have as many stalls. women must shed their uterus lining and that's just happening without drinking water. Sometimes, their changing time is up and they just need to change, increasing the amount of women in the bathroom .
I have a "bit" of knowledge of the female anatomy, the same general bit that everyone else got in science/health class I suppose. Funny, but I don't recall any difference between the bladder capacity of the female vs. male. I believe this is another feminine myth you gals like to perpetuate to get special treatment. "Ducking into line" indicates women entering a crowded multi-user men's room...+READ
I have a "bit" of knowledge of the female anatomy, the same general bit that everyone else got in science/health class I suppose. Funny, but I don't recall any difference between the bladder capacity of the female vs. male. I believe this is another feminine myth you gals like to perpetuate to get special treatment. "Ducking into line" indicates women entering a crowded multi-user men's room where open urinals are on display. That I am offended by.
I'm one male who doesn't understand why females need special accommodation in that instance. Whether "most men should understand" (you hope, because of chivalry or other antiquated hogwash) is irrelevant. Don't rely on some homogeneous group to help you out. It just doesn't make sense when there's other women perfectly willing to let you go first, if only they're asked. Stick to single-unit men's rooms.-COLLAPSE
I don't see any offense in ducking into the line of the male washroom. It's okay, and most men should (I'd hope) understand. You make a solid point about the difference between a single unit washroom to a larger stall based room. Besides anyone with a bit of knowledge of the female anatomy would understand the difference of a women "having to go" compared to a male.
Equality* of the sexes still comes with an asterisk, folks.
just because the line-up at the women's washroom is long doesn't give you a *right* to use the men's instead. You don't ever see men duck into the women's anytime, probably for fear of sexual harassment charges and because it intrudes on their privacy, so why is it okay for women to do the same? I'm not against women's rights, but at the same time I don't believe it should be used as a scapegoat...+READ
just because the line-up at the women's washroom is long doesn't give you a *right* to use the men's instead. You don't ever see men duck into the women's anytime, probably for fear of sexual harassment charges and because it intrudes on their privacy, so why is it okay for women to do the same? I'm not against women's rights, but at the same time I don't believe it should be used as a scapegoat for disrespectful behaviour. And If you weren't fussing about so much with your hair, makeup, or gossiping, etc. there would never be a bloody line-up in the first place.-COLLAPSE
cnt ,if women try use man bathroom,where is privacy for man..........???
if man accidently go girl bathroom,their will report to police as sexual hasserement,Y we all guy cnt make sexual hasserement report a girl,when she don't respect guys privacy......
Actually, you DON'T have a right to use the men's bathroom.. Going to the wrong bathroom is illegal, and you can be prosecuted for trespassing. Some ordinances have exceptions for young children with their parent, but even then, they go to the bathroom of the sex of the parent that's with them.
Its okay. I remember i was at 7-11 in Virginia and my family was at a bathroom break, the woman's line was HUGE (only on tiolet)! There were NO Men! My mom and sister went in the Men's. But i made a mistake, i went last. In the middle of peeing, a man knocked on the door and when i came out, he was staring at me. So if you want to use the Men's restroom, try not to go last. Go when like NO men...+READ
Its okay. I remember i was at 7-11 in Virginia and my family was at a bathroom break, the woman's line was HUGE (only on tiolet)! There were NO Men! My mom and sister went in the Men's. But i made a mistake, i went last. In the middle of peeing, a man knocked on the door and when i came out, he was staring at me. So if you want to use the Men's restroom, try not to go last. Go when like NO men are in the store. Or around. Unless your dad comes in with you. :)-COLLAPSE
Emergency exceptions ought to be taken to the women waiting in line for their restroom, not the guys already using the men's room. When the men's room door is closed that means guys will be exposed while using the urinals. Period. It ain't aight to just walk in and THEN ask. That's not acceptable at home so why should it be with strangers?
The problem lies with women not helping women. Those...+READ
Emergency exceptions ought to be taken to the women waiting in line for their restroom, not the guys already using the men's room. When the men's room door is closed that means guys will be exposed while using the urinals. Period. It ain't aight to just walk in and THEN ask. That's not acceptable at home so why should it be with strangers?
The problem lies with women not helping women. Those who are holding up the line gossiping in the stalls or primping in the mirrors ought to be warned by other WOMEN to hurry it up. Men shouldn't even be put in the position of figuring this out for you. Why should we have to zip up and run, or hold it in and look for another toilet because all of our stalls are occupied by ladies?-COLLAPSE
When I worked in fast food, I always used the women's room just because the men's room was pretty disgusting. I have no qualms as long as people don't see me entering or exiting.
I just want add a little addendum as I believe I came off a little callous, I understand their are other important things women do in bathrooms, and I'd make exceptions for certain important bodily functions that they are obviously not in control of. However, using the bathroom to take care of bodily functions is one thing, and then taking time afterward to primp is another thing all together.
I would like to submit the idea that rather than using the other sex's restroom one should just be responsible with oneself and just go before one has such a dire emergency that one needs to? I mean, almost every building in the US has its own restrooms. Most even have several! If you have found yourself in that kind of emergency, barring stomach trouble of some sort or something that absolutely...+READ
I would like to submit the idea that rather than using the other sex's restroom one should just be responsible with oneself and just go before one has such a dire emergency that one needs to? I mean, almost every building in the US has its own restrooms. Most even have several! If you have found yourself in that kind of emergency, barring stomach trouble of some sort or something that absolutely REQUIRED your attention, perhaps you just need to be more considerate of your body and go earlier?
Honestly, even children can grasp that idea as toddlers when they are potty trained. Perhaps as adults we should remember that basic responsibility? And yes, women, I know there's other things you like to do in the restroom, and that's fine, but violating someone else's basic constitutional right to privacy to say, do your makeup, is unreasonable and irresponsible.-COLLAPSE
I think that is 100% crap. That totally disrespects the rights we have of our privacy. I don't go in the girls bathroom, so why the heck should they come in ours? I mean, the urinals are open, so if I was using one, and a girl walked in, I would slit someone's throat. I mean, what if a boy walked into a girls bathroom and you where in there? How would you like that? I mean, dang, that is the only...+READ
I think that is 100% crap. That totally disrespects the rights we have of our privacy. I don't go in the girls bathroom, so why the heck should they come in ours? I mean, the urinals are open, so if I was using one, and a girl walked in, I would slit someone's throat. I mean, what if a boy walked into a girls bathroom and you where in there? How would you like that? I mean, dang, that is the only place we can get any privacy. Now you pervs are letting girls in there. Whoever lets them do that should be sued; for a violation of my privacy. Everyone has the same rights of privacy, so that means that you girls shouldn't go in there. And really with locker rooms. I mean, we shower and all that in there, and then some sports reporter walks in, and totally violates our privacy. Why don't they interview them AFTER they are out of the locker rooms. Its totally a violation of privacy.-COLLAPSE
Why do men not have the same privs women do? I seen the exact opposite so I've use the women's room simply because it was preferable to soiling/wetting my pants. I'm sorry but my table manners take a low priority when I'm crossing my legs.
The "guys didn't care" argument is always used, as is "blame the architect" to justify this behavior. Incidentally, that's what female sports reporters always throw out to justify being in mens' locker rooms..."the guys didn't mind me being there"...whatever. For every guy who doesn't care there's five more guys who DO care and are uncomfortable. Why should the opinion of a few guys override the...+READ
The "guys didn't care" argument is always used, as is "blame the architect" to justify this behavior. Incidentally, that's what female sports reporters always throw out to justify being in mens' locker rooms..."the guys didn't mind me being there"...whatever. For every guy who doesn't care there's five more guys who DO care and are uncomfortable. Why should the opinion of a few guys override the privacy rights of the majority?
Interesting a concert in the 70's was mentioned. That's when this rash of women taking over men's rooms started. If one went to a crowded venue in the 60's or 50's that kind of public disrespect for males was unheard of. Maybe because girls of that generation were raised with something called manners?-COLLAPSE
When I used to go to concerts at the Coliseum in the 70's in Richfield, the girls used to come in the Men's bathroom all the time. I didn't care personally. The Architect didn't build enough restrooms for the girls, go figure.
well if a women should'nt make a man wait in line in the men's bathroom they should wait in the women's bathroom and women's right whatever and were is men's rights should'nt we be treated equal respect?
What a ridiculous article! Unisex bathrooms would be a haven for perverts! What a bunch of nonsensical drabble! Just wait in your freakin' line and quit being so impatient. better that than to be an accessory to perversion. What has this perverted world come to???
Lol, now I wouldn't mind letting a woman use the restroom before me if it was an emergency (and provided it was not an emergency for me) but to say "it's a woman's right" is going a bit too far.
Get back in your line, ladies. I'm sure you wouldn't like it if men went into your bathroom if there was a line for the men's room.
hell yeah if you gotta go u gotta go
>>I know both my wife and daughter would not hesitate to go into the men's room if they really couldn't wait for the line at the ladies room. We all use "unisex" toilets at home, what's the big deal about public rooms?<
They might be unisex at home but I highly doubt your wife and daughter allow you inside with them while they're using the toilet, and vice versa. If you don't shut the door or just...+READ
>>I know both my wife and daughter would not hesitate to go into the men's room if they really couldn't wait for the line at the ladies room. We all use "unisex" toilets at home, what's the big deal about public rooms?<
They might be unisex at home but I highly doubt your wife and daughter allow you inside with them while they're using the toilet, and vice versa. If you don't shut the door or just allow them to barge in on you then there is an issue with "boundaries" inside your home, in my opinion. That's why we have locks on bathroom doors at home and 'single user toilets (one user at a time)' in public.
As far as multi-user public toilets, there is no lockable door on the understanding that ONLY one gender is allowed. That's sorta why there's a sign on the door. I would hope your wife and daughter only entered the multi-user room designated for them. Otherwise they are infringing on the privacy rights of men, who are obeying the law and assuming women are capable of doing the same.-COLLAPSE
I agree with Vorpal. I'm female, and I couldn't help thinking, "Wow, what a sexist question is that?" Also, "What a wimp question!" Seriously. No one should need to go out and ask an internet "mommy" for permission to go to the bathroom. LOL. Anyway, equality HAS to go both ways, per "department" as it were. But that does go both ways.
The truth is, the bathroom is the last privately controlled...+READ
I agree with Vorpal. I'm female, and I couldn't help thinking, "Wow, what a sexist question is that?" Also, "What a wimp question!" Seriously. No one should need to go out and ask an internet "mommy" for permission to go to the bathroom. LOL. Anyway, equality HAS to go both ways, per "department" as it were. But that does go both ways.
The truth is, the bathroom is the last privately controlled domain for -both- genders. It's where we go to freshen up, be honest, gang up on our bad bosses, and regain our composure in hard situations, usually caused by the other sex... Simply put, if men don't mind us women doing our hair and makeup, and "gossiping" (being honest), in their bathrooms, then we women shouldn't mind them doing... *coughs* Whatever it is they normally do in bathrooms anyway...
Are we willing to give up our privacy from each other for the sake of good physical health? Would that be too traumatizing? Personally, I think the best layout is to have two communal-sink-area bathrooms, one for women, one for men, and one Unisex single-stall bathroom that has all but the mirror. Seriously - what we all do in front of public bathroom mirrors takes too long, and the Unisex stall should be just for health-related emergencies.
As for the "few rewards" of being a (working) woman... Honey, go reward yourself with something that'll make your life worthwhile. Stop begging the men for a raise. Go start a business and pay the women as much as you do the men. Stop whining about non-equal pay and just do something about it that doesn't put men above you. Then hire me to come work for you! Hah!-COLLAPSE
Responding to: "Wow...some people here really need to take a couple courses in gender studies."
The next time I feel the need to be indoctrinated into propaganda of privilege, I'll take you up on it. It is pretty funny that it is called "gender studies" when it teaches women are victims and will always be...and men are big bad wolves whose only purpose is take down the poor women. I don't think...+READ
Responding to: "Wow...some people here really need to take a couple courses in gender studies."
The next time I feel the need to be indoctrinated into propaganda of privilege, I'll take you up on it. It is pretty funny that it is called "gender studies" when it teaches women are victims and will always be...and men are big bad wolves whose only purpose is take down the poor women. I don't think that qualifies as "Gender" study, but call it what you will. When governments use these tactics, they are known by the politically correct term, "Re-education Camps." Want proof? I would guess every "Gender Studies" course is taught by a feminist and includes the term, "reconstructed male." It doesn't take a PhD to figure out the intention.
Responding to: "The notion that woman have equal rights as men is laughable."
You are absolutely correct. Is is laughable. Women have the rights to everything men have rights to (as it should be) and a laundry list of privilege just for them...so when did superiority get intertwined with equality? As for pay...check the Consad Research report for actual facts instead of the propaganda you hear about "other" women. http://consad.com/index.php?page=an-analysis-of-reasons-for-the-disparity-in-wages-between-men-and-women
But all of this about a bathroom? How about an easy rule: if it has a door you can shut, use it. If there is a line of the other gender, break into the front of the line of your gender in an emergency. There is no need to be rude...no matter what your gender.-COLLAPSE
Hi grafittipassion - I like the passion part! It rings true! Thank you for the course suggestion. Men are peacocks I believe - they like to show off their colors to get attention - so when women want them in skirts they'll wear 'em to get the woman... Men take what they want I reckon but only if women authorize it!! Men are the powerful but women are the power. So, maybe its a womans and a mans...+READ
Hi grafittipassion - I like the passion part! It rings true! Thank you for the course suggestion. Men are peacocks I believe - they like to show off their colors to get attention - so when women want them in skirts they'll wear 'em to get the woman... Men take what they want I reckon but only if women authorize it!! Men are the powerful but women are the power. So, maybe its a womans and a mans world... both. I'd still like unisex public toilets though... :-)-COLLAPSE
And PeterPetra - I suggest a course in "Men and Masuculinity". It will help answer some of you questions on why men feel they can't wear skirts in public and why young men are so much more likely to die violently than women. You'll learn that it's not because it's a "woman's world" pretty quickly.
Wow...some people here really need to take a couple courses in gender studies. I haven't heard such backwards thinking since I lived in Texas. The notion that woman have equal rights as men is laughable. Maybe that's what we're told, but I'll start believing it when we start getting equal pay.
Despite the blatant inequality and double standards that exists towards women, I do believe we should...+READ
Wow...some people here really need to take a couple courses in gender studies. I haven't heard such backwards thinking since I lived in Texas. The notion that woman have equal rights as men is laughable. Maybe that's what we're told, but I'll start believing it when we start getting equal pay.
Despite the blatant inequality and double standards that exists towards women, I do believe we should all ATTEMPT or at least strive towards equality. And that means, yes, women should be allowed to use the men's restroom and men should be allowed to use the womens.-COLLAPSE
I have had enough of women screaming for equality. Everywhere I go I see a womans world, a world built for women (quite often by women) - try shopping, try divorce and separation, try custody of the kids, try clothes style options (how often can a man wear a skirt in public - a frilly one not a kilt!), try make-up, try being pregnant and giving birth just to name a few..
As a man, I often...+READ
I have had enough of women screaming for equality. Everywhere I go I see a womans world, a world built for women (quite often by women) - try shopping, try divorce and separation, try custody of the kids, try clothes style options (how often can a man wear a skirt in public - a frilly one not a kilt!), try make-up, try being pregnant and giving birth just to name a few..
As a man, I often wonder what a man's role is? Why do six times as many young men in Dublin Ireland die by suicide every year, than young girls? Do they wonder what their role is? Serious issue! Isn't it!
I agree that in times gone by things were much harder for women and laws were pitched against them to horrid extrmes but enough is enough... stop screaming for equality and then panicking because your man behaves like a woman!!!
I tried to use a ladies loo once in Ireland. I was screamed at and physically threathened!! I prefer ladies loos generally - they are cleaner!!!
There must be a better divide than men/women or is that we (I) just misunderstand the whole thing? Maybe I have no idea what masculine is or what feminine is!! Really!
I like people either way ... male or female and unisex loos make for less tension between the sexes so its a 'yes' from me...-COLLAPSE
As long as 40 years ago (I can't believe I'm saying this!) I encountered "unisex" restrooms in Europe/Asia. As a member of the USAF, I was stationed in both Europe and Asia and it was pretty common to find both sexes in the same restroom I encountered it as recently as 2006 in Versailles. I've used the women's restroom on a trip to FL about 3 years ago and I know both my wife and daughter would...+READ
As long as 40 years ago (I can't believe I'm saying this!) I encountered "unisex" restrooms in Europe/Asia. As a member of the USAF, I was stationed in both Europe and Asia and it was pretty common to find both sexes in the same restroom I encountered it as recently as 2006 in Versailles. I've used the women's restroom on a trip to FL about 3 years ago and I know both my wife and daughter would not hesitate to go into the men's room if they really couldn't wait for the line at the ladies room. We all use "unisex" toilets at home, what's the big deal about public rooms?-COLLAPSE
Wow! Just Wow! So much potty talk on Chowhound!
Women, for the love of hygiene, DON'T do it! Urinals are not the only "manly" thing in men's room...urine splattered everywhere including all over the toilet seat is very common. Lots of guys really don't give a ****. I would treat a men's room toilet seat like the electric chair...try not to wind up there. I want to know if it's OK for me to use the Women's room...so much cleaner!
It's acceptable, as long as you remember to leave the seat up :)
if i really have to go, a bathroom with stalls is unisex to me.
Totally acceptable if we are talking about single rooms. Unisex. Learn to KNOCK ON THE DOOR. Oh, and lock the door after you enter.
I seriously don't see why this simple solution is a problem?
Speaking as a man who has had kidney stones in the past and no longer has the capacity to "hold it" like I used to, I think poor layout and design has given everyone the wrong idea of what a unisex bathroom could be. I envision one main common area with sinks on one side and stalls on the other, with an S-bend passage off to one side leading to a smaller separate alcove for male urinals only. It...+READ
Speaking as a man who has had kidney stones in the past and no longer has the capacity to "hold it" like I used to, I think poor layout and design has given everyone the wrong idea of what a unisex bathroom could be. I envision one main common area with sinks on one side and stalls on the other, with an S-bend passage off to one side leading to a smaller separate alcove for male urinals only. It would be much more economical and efficient, while maintaining everyone's privacy.
It might be a bit costly to reorganize existing structures, but it would be very cheap to build a new structure this way.-COLLAPSE
I once was waiting in line for the ladies in a bar and noticed the men's was unoccupied. (Single stall bathroom with door open to signal it was vacant.) I was tempted to use it, but waited. To my surprise, a man came out of the ladies room! So I guess he had the same idea.
"Meanwhile, as long as we still have rooms labeled by gender, I think we do have to respect the sensibilities, however artificial, of folks who feel more comfortable using a room that is reserved for their own sex. By artificial, I don't mean false, I just mean that those feelings are shaped by our culture, and reshaping a culture
takes time..."
I'm not sure how much those feelings are shaped...+READ
"Meanwhile, as long as we still have rooms labeled by gender, I think we do have to respect the sensibilities, however artificial, of folks who feel more comfortable using a room that is reserved for their own sex. By artificial, I don't mean false, I just mean that those feelings are shaped by our culture, and reshaping a culture
takes time..."
I'm not sure how much those feelings are shaped by culture, or are just innate to gender. For some reason I'm reminded of an old episode of the brady bunch (dating myself) where the girls threw a fit when a male doctor entered their bedroom, and the boys responded likewise to a female doctor entering theirs. Silly
reference, but pretty accurate to how we feel about privacy from the opposite sex at that age. Polls show a majority of us don't outgrow that feeling completely, in that we still prefer a same-gender physician, same-gender locker rooms/restrooms all our lives. So I can't really support 'cultural reshaping' in that respect. If anything I think those who prefer a more communal, unisex society have the artificial sensibilities.-COLLAPSE
Long ago in Boston, there was a sandwich shop with 2 little individual bathrooms, one labeled "People" and the other "Humans". I always found it a graceful solution. Wouldn't it make the most sense for everyone with individual, lockable rooms to keep it freeform?
Meanwhile, as long as we still have rooms labeled by gender, I think we do have to respect the sensibilities, however artificial, of...+READ
Long ago in Boston, there was a sandwich shop with 2 little individual bathrooms, one labeled "People" and the other "Humans". I always found it a graceful solution. Wouldn't it make the most sense for everyone with individual, lockable rooms to keep it freeform?
Meanwhile, as long as we still have rooms labeled by gender, I think we do have to respect the sensibilities, however artificial, of folks who feel more comfortable using a room that is reserved for their own sex. By artificial, I don't mean false, I just mean that those feelings are shaped by our culture, and reshaping a culture takes time. Once, when I was truly desperate, I ducked into a men's room, but I try to avoid it. Better to throw oneself on the mercy of the other women in line.
It's the bigger places with multi-user facilities that need a major design change. Men's rooms are typically designed with the same number of stalls as the women's, plus a couple of urinals, and men's clothes are designed for easy in & out. Hence the lines at the ladies'. Given those social parameters, I don't think that adding a couple of stalls to the women's restroom would constitute gender discrimination.-COLLAPSE
Weird...if men state they have a problem with women in their restroom, misogyny is your claim...on a food board? My desire to post observation goes WAY up whenever I see privilege trying to be described as a right. Privilege for some always violates the rights of others (male or female) and THAT goes against every "freedom" on which this country was founded. In ANY area of discussion, not just...+READ
Weird...if men state they have a problem with women in their restroom, misogyny is your claim...on a food board? My desire to post observation goes WAY up whenever I see privilege trying to be described as a right. Privilege for some always violates the rights of others (male or female) and THAT goes against every "freedom" on which this country was founded. In ANY area of discussion, not just this one. And this is a pretty low one actually.
I'm pretty sure the desire to go to the bathroom without someone of the other gender walking in on you fails in the description of misogyny or misandry. It is the hatred or comtempt of women or men, just because they are women or men, not because of what they did. Taking offense to someone due to other factors (such as what they have actually done or said) does not qualify. Claiming "privilege" over "rights" due to gender ALWAYS does. Seriously...-COLLAPSE
"But an emergency is an emergency... I would be a misogynist if I said, "its your gender's fault that you just wet yourself, perhaps that would teach y'all to not dawdle in there..."
I've never understood why the 'emergency' scenario is a problem dumped in the laps of men. Like someone else on this board said previously, why not break line for your own restroom and ask one of the women to let...+READ
"But an emergency is an emergency... I would be a misogynist if I said, "its your gender's fault that you just wet yourself, perhaps that would teach y'all to not dawdle in there..."
I've never understood why the 'emergency' scenario is a problem dumped in the laps of men. Like someone else on this board said previously, why not break line for your own restroom and ask one of the women to let you go ahead into her stall since you can't wait? Isn't that what female solidarity is all about after all? Every woman in that room should understand having a smaller bladder (if that's a medical fact, as you claim) and be willing to help out a sister in distress. Why not try this easier, safer, less embarrassing option FIRST before barging into the mens room? It's certainly what I would do if my restroom was occupied, before ever considering entering the ladies room and losing my scalp. Just saying.
And if me saying that makes me a mysoginist then a woman saying, "it's your gender's fault that you have urinals, perhaps us barging in will teach y'all to pee sitting down," makes her a misandrist (a hater of men). On the contrary, it has nothing to do with hating women. This is another case of "chivalry run amok" inside the male mind.-COLLAPSE
In Texas, the feminists ran through state legislation requiring buildings to be constructed with more women's restrooms then mens. And to modify existing structures as well.
A legal doctrine that was struck down by the US supreme court, was that of "seperate but equal". In the end, the practice was no more equal then promised. A white man could walk into a "colored's mensroom", and do his...+READ
In Texas, the feminists ran through state legislation requiring buildings to be constructed with more women's restrooms then mens. And to modify existing structures as well.
A legal doctrine that was struck down by the US supreme court, was that of "seperate but equal". In the end, the practice was no more equal then promised. A white man could walk into a "colored's mensroom", and do his deal... but a black man would be arrested if he tried the same thing in the whites only bathroom.
(not going to comment on actual rapes and murders in the ladies loo, as that point has been made a few times, instead consider the following)
An honest man who uses a restroom designated for women, opens himself up to False Rape Claims... (and they are increasing) He is safe in his own sanctuary from this. That is, until women intrude...
But an emergency is an emergency... I would be a misogynist if I said,
"its your gender's fault that you just wet yourself, perhaps that would teach y'all to not dawdle in there"
And the fact remains:
Human bodies are not equal. On average, a female has a smaller bladder, yet she drinks as fast as her male counterpart... consequently women pee more frequently per day then men do. This number goes way up during pregnancy.
So, No... Its not ok, IMHO, but I can forgive it if its necessary. Which in Texas, it IS NOT. (2 to 1 ratio of bathrooms is more then enough).
Oddly enough, I have a bout of diarea once... and was forced (men's was occupied) to use the "Ladies" and was amazed that there was furnature in there. A divan against one wall, and better lighting/more fixtures.-COLLAPSE
"I'd certainly go into a men's room with or without anyone else in there. It's not like the guys are having "sword" fights in there or stripping down to use the urinal and I'm certainly not going to "check out" the goods while I'm in there either..."
You might not have those intentions, and I hope you don't, but you really can't speak for all women on this. Sorry to burst the bubble, but indeed...+READ
"I'd certainly go into a men's room with or without anyone else in there. It's not like the guys are having "sword" fights in there or stripping down to use the urinal and I'm certainly not going to "check out" the goods while I'm in there either..."
You might not have those intentions, and I hope you don't, but you really can't speak for all women on this. Sorry to burst the bubble, but indeed there are female pervs who will take advantage of the view just like male pervs do.-COLLAPSE
"In my high school when things got busy the girls rushed in and used the boys room but they would kick us out first. I think there is nothing wrong..."
"most of us don't give a hoot if a gal glances at the back of our jeans while we're face-in at the urinal."
Being a 'man' doesn't mean sacrificing your own right of privacy, and it certainly doesn't mean defending women all the time just for...+READ
"In my high school when things got busy the girls rushed in and used the boys room but they would kick us out first. I think there is nothing wrong..."
"most of us don't give a hoot if a gal glances at the back of our jeans while we're face-in at the urinal."
Being a 'man' doesn't mean sacrificing your own right of privacy, and it certainly doesn't mean defending women all the time just for chivalry's sake (when their behavior is wrong). A lot of guys who say "I don't care, come on in," might have other reasons for wanting women in the men's room, such as they hope to glimpse something, or they like being watched by women, or it could lead to getting a woman's phone number (dream on). That's NOT about helping women. It's males working against the interest of their own gender.
Most of us guys (if we're honest) are physically uncomfortable using the facilities while women are present. Why else do so many men have a visceral response to a woman entering? (Most women have the same reaction if a man enters their private domain, by the way.) Personally I refuse to use the urinal until the woman leaves the room. It's just a matter of principle with me.
Single occupancy bathrooms are perfectly acceptable to be used by men or women. It's simple, they have a lockable door. But multi-stalled unisex restrooms a la Europe won't really solve that problem of the 'awkward-factor'. The close proximity and resulting audio will be a dealbreaker for many of us guys sitting inside a flimsy stall listening to girl-talk against our will.-COLLAPSE
Even being female, I never understood why women spend so much time in the restroom stall . When I was a child I imagined scary lady things must happen and need to be dealt with. But with almost everyone??? Now at middle age, and in and out very quickly, I am still mysified.
"Sorry, guys, but a gentleman doesn’t complain if he has to wait a couple of minutes. It’s a woman’s right to use the men’s room when the women’s is too busy. Consider it one of the few little privileges we enjoy to make up for the many inequalities we suffer."
This is a HORRIBLE statement. Privilege is never OK. The rights for all is what America is about. I would challenge you to list...+READ
"Sorry, guys, but a gentleman doesn’t complain if he has to wait a couple of minutes. It’s a woman’s right to use the men’s room when the women’s is too busy. Consider it one of the few little privileges we enjoy to make up for the many inequalities we suffer."
This is a HORRIBLE statement. Privilege is never OK. The rights for all is what America is about. I would challenge you to list inequalities you suffer, but for the sake of the article, this has nothing to do with it. It is a way to say...Sorry, I know it isn't right, but I get to. That is NOT the case here.-COLLAPSE
oh and by the way, respect includes men not peeing on the woman's seat and women not leaving sanitary napkins around. While common place in the restroom of your gender, you really need to use extra caution in using one of the opposite gender. When in Rome....
Just use your heads. If they are individual bathrooms with locked doors, feel free...I wouldn't wait in the men's line because it is shorter, but if it is open, why not? Should the guy be upset if he has to wait? No. Should the woman be upset if the guy jokes about it? No.
Reversed: I wouldn't wait in the women's line because it was shorter, but if it was open, why not? Should a woman be upset if...+READ
Just use your heads. If they are individual bathrooms with locked doors, feel free...I wouldn't wait in the men's line because it is shorter, but if it is open, why not? Should the guy be upset if he has to wait? No. Should the woman be upset if the guy jokes about it? No.
Reversed: I wouldn't wait in the women's line because it was shorter, but if it was open, why not? Should a woman be upset if she has to wait? No. Should a guy be upset if she jokes about it? No.
You should NEVER use a multi-use bathroom of the opposite sex no matter what. It is about the comfort level of others. Since a guys restroom is not set up for privacy, maybe the answer is to make the toilets in the women's multi-use restrooms closer together, separated only by a privacy panel. Then it would be equal.
But a guy walking into a mulit-use women's restroom is as disrespectful to others as a woman walking into a men's mult-use restroom. While the intention in either case is not to make others uncomfortable, the act in and of itself shows no respect to other people. As such, you should refrain unless it is an absolute necessity.
Use your head...do what takes into account others rights ALONG with your own and you'll be fine.-COLLAPSE
I've used the women's room so many times when the men's room is full, and the women's room is usually cleaner. And I was brought up by four sisters, so I always put the seat down. I think the least we can do is reciprocate.
Well, if it is a multi-person washroom I obviously won't want any women in the washroom, while if I put myself in the women's place I also would not want any men in the washroom. On the other hand, if it is a single, individual restroom, I won't mind because I won't need to battle through a line to get to the mens room and I could knock on the doors. I don't know even why those individual...+READ
Well, if it is a multi-person washroom I obviously won't want any women in the washroom, while if I put myself in the women's place I also would not want any men in the washroom. On the other hand, if it is a single, individual restroom, I won't mind because I won't need to battle through a line to get to the mens room and I could knock on the doors. I don't know even why those individual restrooms have gender on it, could they just put one word on them: Restroom.
Actually I won't complain about women putting up makeup because their purpose is to impress men while a lot of men is having a cell phone conversation when they are either urinating or having a bowl movement and I am like yelling and knocking on the door saying stop having the conversation, brain it elsewhere, I can't take it no longer!!! Very productive for a men to make a line to the men's room ayy, NOT!
Either way:
Men = Cell Phone Conversations. = Line.
Women = Putting up make-up. = Line.
Mr. SBUXJavaChip,
New York, NY...-COLLAPSE
weewah - women aren't the only ones who have to deal with this. There are plenty of men who seem to think it's beneath their dignity to raise the seat before urinating into a public toilet. I always wonder whether they do the same thing at home, and if so why their womenfolk (if they have any) haven't murdered them in their sleep yet.
Any human that may soil their clothing if they cannot reach a gender-appropriate bathroom should avail themself of ANY facility available. Period!
I don't understand this bickering. If you gotta go, you gotta go, and everyone in the area should just deal with it. We're only human, and circumstances in life will never be set up perfectly for everyone.
My pet peeve is those oh so classy "ladies"...+READ
Any human that may soil their clothing if they cannot reach a gender-appropriate bathroom should avail themself of ANY facility available. Period!
I don't understand this bickering. If you gotta go, you gotta go, and everyone in the area should just deal with it. We're only human, and circumstances in life will never be set up perfectly for everyone.
My pet peeve is those oh so classy "ladies" (heavy sarcasm here for sure) whose a** is too special to sit down on a public toilet seat. They feel it's just fine to hover over the seat and cover it with urine. Then they hike up their britches and walk away, leaving the next woman to deal w/ their mess. If I could identify women like this on sight; there'd be a butt-kickin for sure.-COLLAPSE
I've done this on occasion, when my husband is with me. (Single-holers, only, of course!) I've gone in first and he's waited, and we've also gone in together. (Depending, of course, upon who needs to "do" what...we've been married a long time, but not THAT long!). But whether I'm in the gents' or the ladies', I do my business, pull myself together, wash my hands (ALWAYS!!!) and if I want to...+READ
I've done this on occasion, when my husband is with me. (Single-holers, only, of course!) I've gone in first and he's waited, and we've also gone in together. (Depending, of course, upon who needs to "do" what...we've been married a long time, but not THAT long!). But whether I'm in the gents' or the ladies', I do my business, pull myself together, wash my hands (ALWAYS!!!) and if I want to primp, I do it in the car, in the sun visor vanity mirror. Out of sheer verminophobia, I see no need to spend any more time than absolutely necessary in a public restroom.-COLLAPSE
Sure, why not? It's not a big deal anywhere else in the world, except maybe the Middle East. But, that's another story.
Here you're saying that "gentlemen" should be OK with waiting if a woman wants to use the MEN'S restroom, yet in another article (http://www.chow.com/stories/10579) you are bashing that kind of thinking as outdated and sexist. This, quite frankly, makes you come across as somewhat of a vindictive, pissy feminist. Do you want to be treated differently based on your gender or not? Make up your damn...+READ
Here you're saying that "gentlemen" should be OK with waiting if a woman wants to use the MEN'S restroom, yet in another article (http://www.chow.com/stories/10579) you are bashing that kind of thinking as outdated and sexist. This, quite frankly, makes you come across as somewhat of a vindictive, pissy feminist. Do you want to be treated differently based on your gender or not? Make up your damn mind.-COLLAPSE
I've been at concerts where the line for the ladies room looked like a line to get a backstage pass. Come use the men's room. I certainly don't care.
The wait time is the only reason I like separate restrooms. Otherwise, I don't care. I've been in "any gender" restrooms that feature two stalls and a urinal, which means men and women can be in there at the same time.
Ha! Inequalities you still suffer. Good one, women have the same rights as men, plain as day. Besides, you have the right to go in the mens restroom, should I not have the right to enter the womens? If I really have to go, such as yourself, surely then I should be allowed to use the women's restoom. Equalities go both ways.
This question, like so many others, is best answered by reversing the question. Would it be okay for men to go into the ladies restrooms? I think the resounding answer would be: No. So there you go (no pun intended), if it doesn't work for the gander then it shouldn't work for the goose.
To add something else to the discussion, I was recently at a concert in a small NY venue and there were...+READ
This question, like so many others, is best answered by reversing the question. Would it be okay for men to go into the ladies restrooms? I think the resounding answer would be: No. So there you go (no pun intended), if it doesn't work for the gander then it shouldn't work for the goose.
To add something else to the discussion, I was recently at a concert in a small NY venue and there were lines for both men's and ladie's bathrooms with the men's being a little shorter and there were 2 women in the men's room line now how is that fair?
This is another example of "Equal with perks". A group of people want to be treated EXACTLY like another group until that equal treatment means they need to give something up.-COLLAPSE
well put taos. and also I remember the days not that long ago when the only "changing facilities" were in the womens rooms so if a man was in need of place to make a diaper swap he also was forced to invade the womens room for that.
As I remember those rare occasions there not only were no complaints there were sometimes offers of assistance.
many of us men are quite capable in the home also...+READ
well put taos. and also I remember the days not that long ago when the only "changing facilities" were in the womens rooms so if a man was in need of place to make a diaper swap he also was forced to invade the womens room for that.
As I remember those rare occasions there not only were no complaints there were sometimes offers of assistance.
many of us men are quite capable in the home also believe it or not.-COLLAPSE
Cloud737 - You posted several times inquiring why women take so much time in the bathroom and even wondering if it's because they are spending the time primping and prettying themselves in front of the mirror.
Apparently it must be spelled out for you. The extra time women spend in public restrooms is not because they are adjusting their makeup. It is related to these things (and I apologize for...+READ
Cloud737 - You posted several times inquiring why women take so much time in the bathroom and even wondering if it's because they are spending the time primping and prettying themselves in front of the mirror.
Apparently it must be spelled out for you. The extra time women spend in public restrooms is not because they are adjusting their makeup. It is related to these things (and I apologize for being both obvious and possibly offensively graphic):
1. Anatomy and clothing: In order to perform the basic bathroom function of peeing, women have to remove more clothes then men, and then put those clothes back in place. This takes a lot more time, then just unzipping a fly, whipping it out, and zipping up again.
2. Women of childbearing age also often (say a week a month of so), have to deal with other things in the bathroom. You may remember this from your sex ed class.
3. Women are also much more often the ones that are accompanying young children in the bathroom. They may be helping chlldren use the toilet, trying to balance an infant in one hand while using the toilet with the other, or changing a baby's diaper.
Think about it.
As for crossing over into the other gender's room, I don't think women have "a right" to use the men's room, but common sense dictates that in the right circumstances (desperation, out of balance lines), it should be tolerated.-COLLAPSE
new rule - no tasers in the bathroom... please?
else Fox will start running stories about the rash of Jr High schoolers tasing each other at the urinal.
Lol, it is easier to buy those things your right Wildfire172. I'm not saying to take self defense classes to protect yourself against bathroom pervs, I'm just saying to know how to defend yourself in general is all. Besides I don't think they have a training class for defense in public restrooms lol.
Honestly it's easier to buy a taser for about the same price as a self defense class and usable right away whereas the self defense takes awhile to apply. Pepper spray is also a lot cheaper but again instant use. Just don't be pulling the stuff out whenever you see a guy, that stuff is for EMERGENCIES, as is the self defense.
Lol don't get me wrong Basildip, I do fear the fact that a pervert could wander into the girls restroom and things could get out of hand, but at the same time, Wildfire172 is right, if we really had to go and the mens restroom is the only way to get to, we could run into the perv there. So, the best way to feel safe when doing that is to make sure you know how to protect and defend yourself, or...+READ
Lol don't get me wrong Basildip, I do fear the fact that a pervert could wander into the girls restroom and things could get out of hand, but at the same time, Wildfire172 is right, if we really had to go and the mens restroom is the only way to get to, we could run into the perv there. So, the best way to feel safe when doing that is to make sure you know how to protect and defend yourself, or find another bathroom to relieve yourself.
He is also right about the fact that the guy would get pummeled either way, us women normally help each other out, and at the same time, most guys these days don't take kindly to men who try to attack women in any way.
To the very good question " is it still safe to wander into opposite genders bathrooms" in my opinion probably not, but I still stand on the fact that if you gotta go, then you gotta go. Just make sure you know again, how to protect and defend yourself if the problem arises.-COLLAPSE
Hello Wildfire172. You are right, a pervert can be in either gender's
restroom. But I don't think this is uppermost in most women's minds.
If you notice the name, it is mostly me who is making that comment. But I also said I am more comfortable with separate facilities. I guess I did not make myself clear. I hear terrible stories of young boys, grown men and women being attacked in the restrooms....+READ
Hello Wildfire172. You are right, a pervert can be in either gender's
restroom. But I don't think this is uppermost in most women's minds.
If you notice the name, it is mostly me who is making that comment. But I also said I am more comfortable with separate facilities. I guess I did not make myself clear. I hear terrible stories of young boys, grown men and women being attacked in the restrooms. Obviously I'm not a fan of public restrooms period. And I do NOT go into men's restrooms. If a man came into the restroom and I was already in there, my eyes would get as big as ET's. If I was in the
men's restroom and a man came, my eyes would get as big as ET's.
So, no I do not wander into the men's territory. Now LOL
with me or at me.-COLLAPSE
If I see a woman using a guy's bathroom, the only thing I'd be thinking will be "Here comes a tranny"
The women on here keep talking about the pervert wandering into their restroom, what if they went to the guys restroom and ran into the pervert was in there.
Besides that considering the lines talked about on here the pervert would instantly be mauled by a crowd of women and in the guys restroom the pervert would be pummeled just as quickly if there are other guys around (unless they are after...+READ
The women on here keep talking about the pervert wandering into their restroom, what if they went to the guys restroom and ran into the pervert was in there.
Besides that considering the lines talked about on here the pervert would instantly be mauled by a crowd of women and in the guys restroom the pervert would be pummeled just as quickly if there are other guys around (unless they are after some too). So is it safe based on this argument to wander into the guys restroom?
I haven't seen this taken into consideration so thought it should be mentioned.-COLLAPSE
Wow fellas, look at that. KyraCrysta has expressed another balanced
opinion. I don't know about you guys, but I admire her opinion. And she did not even express any fears of the lone pervert she or I might meet on the way in or out of the women's multi-unit restrooms. If I could override those fears, I would feel the same way she does.
I don't see what the problem is with everyone sharing a freaking bathroom. If us women say we can do it, then the men can to. It's only fair.
As for the women on here who say that it's our privilege, basically because at one point in time, IN THE PAST!!!, we were treated not so great. the past is the past, time to let it go. We have a lot more rights and so called "privileges" now then we did...+READ
I don't see what the problem is with everyone sharing a freaking bathroom. If us women say we can do it, then the men can to. It's only fair.
As for the women on here who say that it's our privilege, basically because at one point in time, IN THE PAST!!!, we were treated not so great. the past is the past, time to let it go. We have a lot more rights and so called "privileges" now then we did then because we fought for them, we got what we wanted so let it go. In my opinion that really has nothing to do with the topic anyway.
So, in conclusion, if it's urgent and EITHER bathroom is seriously occupied and the other isn't, you gotta go, then you gotta go. It's only fair ladies. Men should be able to use womens bathrooms just like we use theirs in a time of need.-COLLAPSE
I have no problem whatsoever with a woman using the men's room. Heck, this reminds me of an urban campground I stayed at in London some years ago - a summer setup with barracks-style tents that made use of what was a sports facility changing area during the school year.
The men's bathroom had a large open shower area with shower heads every few feet along the walls. The women's side had just a...+READ
I have no problem whatsoever with a woman using the men's room. Heck, this reminds me of an urban campground I stayed at in London some years ago - a summer setup with barracks-style tents that made use of what was a sports facility changing area during the school year.
The men's bathroom had a large open shower area with shower heads every few feet along the walls. The women's side had just a few individual stall showers.
One hot August morning I was showering away when a young woman who obviously got frustrated with the line for the women's side walked into the men's shower room, hung up her towel, and performed her ablutions. No one said a word!-COLLAPSE
"...a gentleman doesn’t complain if he has to wait a couple of minutes. It’s a woman’s right to use the men’s room when the women’s is too busy. Consider it one of the few little privileges we enjoy to make up for the many inequalities we suffer."
Complaining about suffering inequalites? Really? I can only assume then someone who complains specifically about that can want to be equal, correct?...+READ
"...a gentleman doesn’t complain if he has to wait a couple of minutes. It’s a woman’s right to use the men’s room when the women’s is too busy. Consider it one of the few little privileges we enjoy to make up for the many inequalities we suffer."
Complaining about suffering inequalites? Really? I can only assume then someone who complains specifically about that can want to be equal, correct? Well then use your own equal share of public restroom space. There are no privileges in an equal state, that's what equality means. I'm tired of hearing about people who argue about wanting equality, but then make exceptions for themselves thus enacting an inequality. Lead by example. Oh, and how about then you be a "lady" by freshening up in your own space, while we'll be gentlemen by not invading your space. And no, I'm not some misogynistic asshole. Actually, no one really seems to be a misogynistic asshole on here from the few comments that I've read (if there are, then I guess then there is reason to complain about misogyny to them). I don't think any guy is sadistically taking pleasure from the fact that women have to suffer long lines and can't use the men's restroom. From what I've read, guys on here are simply arguing about women not invading their personal restroom space and it is personal because any restroom/bathroom is personal enough yet to have non-designated people use it along with them? Anywho, I'm all for equal rights, which is why I think women and men should use their own restrooms. If you really need to go and the line's that long, do what most people do (or at least all the people that I know, which also includes myself)- hold it until you can find another bathroom.-COLLAPSE
"Sorry, guys, but a gentleman doesn’t complain if he has to wait a couple of minutes. It’s a woman’s right to use the men’s room when the women’s is too busy. Consider it one of the few little privileges we enjoy to make up for the many inequalities we suffer."
Hah, you expect equality? Why should a male be a "gentleman" when a female can be an self absorbed, entitled ass? Gender equality will...+READ
"Sorry, guys, but a gentleman doesn’t complain if he has to wait a couple of minutes. It’s a woman’s right to use the men’s room when the women’s is too busy. Consider it one of the few little privileges we enjoy to make up for the many inequalities we suffer."
Hah, you expect equality? Why should a male be a "gentleman" when a female can be an self absorbed, entitled ass? Gender equality will never exist as long as women expect concessions.-COLLAPSE
butterfingers's balanced outlook puts many of us to shame. Also I agree that this topic taps into something much deeper than just a restroom. But I wonder--does butterfingers object to being IN the restroom WITH a woman? Can he still then comfortably do his personal business? I like things kept separate. But if he is referring to unisex restrooms, I would have to agree I need to lighten up on my...+READ
butterfingers's balanced outlook puts many of us to shame. Also I agree that this topic taps into something much deeper than just a restroom. But I wonder--does butterfingers object to being IN the restroom WITH a woman? Can he still then comfortably do his personal business? I like things kept separate. But if he is referring to unisex restrooms, I would have to agree I need to lighten up on my feelings of embarrassment. But i guess the initial question centers on should I be allowed to go into the men's restroom. I still don't think so, as I don't want to embarrass anyone.-COLLAPSE
I use whichever restroom is not occupied. And so should everyone of either gender. A lot of guys here have some pretty serious mysogyny issues that methinks go a little deeper than a restroom discussion. Wow -- it's pretty scary! I would love to see some pipsqueak call the cops because a woman has invaded "his" restroom (like he actually owns it) and watch the cops laugh their butts off! And...+READ
I use whichever restroom is not occupied. And so should everyone of either gender. A lot of guys here have some pretty serious mysogyny issues that methinks go a little deeper than a restroom discussion. Wow -- it's pretty scary! I would love to see some pipsqueak call the cops because a woman has invaded "his" restroom (like he actually owns it) and watch the cops laugh their butts off! And also, men primp just as much as women do nowadays. They fix their hair, adjust their clothing, clean their teeth, check themselves out, etc. Watch any sports event on television and count how many health and "beauty" products are marketed toward men. Wake up and smell the 21st century! It's a bathroom, for godsake, not personal space.-COLLAPSE
Sorry Blah x3, but men use the ladies room too. Its not about respecting privacy. Its using what's available when the need is urgent. There are some newly constructed arenas and theaters that are taking into account the fact that women take longer in the bathroom, and are actually building more ladies rooms into the design of the venue. And I think the gist of the "question" here was based on a...+READ
Sorry Blah x3, but men use the ladies room too. Its not about respecting privacy. Its using what's available when the need is urgent. There are some newly constructed arenas and theaters that are taking into account the fact that women take longer in the bathroom, and are actually building more ladies rooms into the design of the venue. And I think the gist of the "question" here was based on a more discreet use of the opposite sex's restroom, not to "inconvenience" the men or disrespect them.-COLLAPSE
Men respect women's privacy by not using their restroom. Women should show the same kind of respect toward men.
"Women like to put their lipstick on, check their teeth and hair, and they don’t want to do it in front of guys.”
"It’s a woman’s right to use the men’s room when the women’s is too busy. Consider it one of the few little privileges we enjoy to make up for the many inequalities we suffer."
So... when women take too long in the bathroom, thus creating the long line, it's their right to spill...+READ
"Women like to put their lipstick on, check their teeth and hair, and they don’t want to do it in front of guys.”
"It’s a woman’s right to use the men’s room when the women’s is too busy. Consider it one of the few little privileges we enjoy to make up for the many inequalities we suffer."
So... when women take too long in the bathroom, thus creating the long line, it's their right to spill over into the men's bathroom? Men need to be inconvenienced because women can't manage their time in the rest room?
And you have the nerve to talk about "inequalities." Riiiight.-COLLAPSE
Women skip hand washing all the time. They sometimes even fail to flush. I have never been in a restroom with over three women without
at least one of them leaving without even glancing at the soap and water. Gross.
I did not believe some of the comments I read. I am male but I was brought up in a household of women. My parents divorced when I was in school and i was grew up with my three sisters and mom before getting married a couple of times.
lines at the mens room go faster because a trip to the urinal only takes a minute or two.
Women have to use a stall and be careful of wrinkles on their dresses....+READ
I did not believe some of the comments I read. I am male but I was brought up in a household of women. My parents divorced when I was in school and i was grew up with my three sisters and mom before getting married a couple of times.
lines at the mens room go faster because a trip to the urinal only takes a minute or two.
Women have to use a stall and be careful of wrinkles on their dresses. AND I have never heard of a female saving time by skipping a hand wash after they finish while with men cleanliness I am afraid is a habit that is more often than not noticed by its lack of observance.
You should spend time in the orient, the squat toilets are a great equalizer although the cities where westerners frequent have been installing American style bathrooms at least in the hotels recently.-COLLAPSE
Who cares, get real, you're are grown men and women and you know what each other have down there. Be mature, and when a women comes in a bathroom don't go "Ooooh" like you're about to attack and rape her or something, be an ADULT! I don't see where the barrier here is, at an average in REAL LIFE and not MOVIES not that many people are in the bathroom, so it doesn't really matter, especially in a...+READ
Who cares, get real, you're are grown men and women and you know what each other have down there. Be mature, and when a women comes in a bathroom don't go "Ooooh" like you're about to attack and rape her or something, be an ADULT! I don't see where the barrier here is, at an average in REAL LIFE and not MOVIES not that many people are in the bathroom, so it doesn't really matter, especially in a restaurant, a mall maybe... But yes, it should, that's the problem, it's people and these sexist barriers that are create, like men and women are two different species(we would like to think) YOU AREN'T! You are human, and 2 grown adults should be able to process this enough to use a same bathroom, you do it in your home right? Like a man never sat down on a toilet, you do poop right? I don't know many people with urinals in their homes, so you do stand up over AN AVERAGE TOILET! To pee and make you self feel like a man.-COLLAPSE
I know my side has been somewhat described already, but it is this simple: It is a sexist remark to say that it is a woman's right to use the men's bathroom due to all the "inequalities" women face. First of all, any current inequalities faced these days are self-inflicted. Too many women listened to John Kerry during the 2004 election. If anything, women have more rights than men in order to...+READ
I know my side has been somewhat described already, but it is this simple: It is a sexist remark to say that it is a woman's right to use the men's bathroom due to all the "inequalities" women face. First of all, any current inequalities faced these days are self-inflicted. Too many women listened to John Kerry during the 2004 election. If anything, women have more rights than men in order to create perceived "equality". I am appalled at the feminist rhetoric spewed in this article. If I turn into a sexist one day, it's the fault of the women who spew this garbage.
Secondly, any "right" created like that is a self-imposed right, not a given right. It would be a privilege, and only given by men that stand outside and don't mind or use the bathroom along with you, which will be hard to gauge, and consider yourselves lucky. In the US, beyond the Bill of Rights, nobody has any other given rights. Any other "rights" we decide to take are self-imposed and wrong.
Third, if a man uses the women's room, he is either a creep or a weirdo. I love the double standard here. Not that I would ever want to use the women's room, but in the name of supposed equality, wouldn't the possibility be equally as fair?
We really like to have a space to ourselves where we can burp, fart, scratch things, pee, poop, etc. without having to worry about women being around. In public, that is the restroom. Where can we do it now?
In closing, I would have been nicer if I found a woman in the men's room, but now, after this article, no matter her age or anything, if I find a female in a men's bathroom, either single use or a standard multi-stall bathroom, I'm calling the cops, no questions asked. That'll serve the little feminist right. Let the government tell me she belongs there.-COLLAPSE
Thanks kentuckyfried for knocking before entering a single unit restroom. I must admit, a male at the women's restroom door would intimidate me. You mention the filth in the men's room. For the record, the women's is no different. Or in fact it may be worse. We put up with horrible odors, urine on the seats, used feminine hygiene products on display and strewn paper towels. Gross, I know.
Hello Cloud737: Thanks for the good wishes for my marriage and many more years. One thing's for sure--we have a lot of good memories. Now the many more years--that will require a miracle. But I'm open for it. You have said many interesting things here. Some of your statements make me wonder where your views come from? Isn't it interesting that this simple question has sparked so many different...+READ
Hello Cloud737: Thanks for the good wishes for my marriage and many more years. One thing's for sure--we have a lot of good memories. Now the many more years--that will require a miracle. But I'm open for it. You have said many interesting things here. Some of your statements make me wonder where your views come from? Isn't it interesting that this simple question has sparked so many different reactions. I think this is a great topic. I can't get enough of it. Whew. Was I glad to read that you laugh off a lot of this stuff. But here's what I wish-- we stay out of each others restrooms. I should think it would be quite embarrassing to either sex to do their business in the presence of each other. In utopia, it would be lovely if we could see things from the other person's perspective. But we are in this real world. Even though it's hard, Cloud737 we gotta keep laughing.
I see you heard the story of the convicted naked man. That was just awful and seemed very unfair. I hope some lawyer can help him
overturn that conviction.-COLLAPSE
It's not just your country, believe me. (I don't live in the US, UK nor Canada ;P)
By the way, I've sent Helena a letter asking the same thing but from a man's perspective, just out of curiosity. Hope I at least get an answer mailed back to me.
^ yeah, double standards in this country are really tiresome.
I completely agree with you Zolio, except that I'd replace "rights" with "privileges" or "preferential treatment". They don't have any more rights than men, legally, but are treated discriminatory in the sense that they get better treatment and believability than men in most cases.
I remember a story about a man convicted for being naked in HIS OWN HOME at 6 AM (when most people are still...+READ
I completely agree with you Zolio, except that I'd replace "rights" with "privileges" or "preferential treatment". They don't have any more rights than men, legally, but are treated discriminatory in the sense that they get better treatment and believability than men in most cases.
I remember a story about a man convicted for being naked in HIS OWN HOME at 6 AM (when most people are still asleep), while a woman with a boy cut through HIS OWN BACKYARD. And yet, it's not the woman's fault for violating his property, but the man's for being naked in his own home when there was no one at home and most everybody else were asleep. Sheesh! Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57yi3Asgov4
Also, a funny and rational commentary on that story: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaE0uathXJA
It's sad, since if there was a naked woman in her home making coffee while a man cut through her backyard, then the MAN would've been guilty instead of being a PEEPING TOM and trespassing on other people's property.-COLLAPSE
It think it's fine if either gender goes to the others' restroom in times of need (usually there's a huge line at the women's, but sometimes at restaurants, it's the other way around).
As a guy, I'll only occasionally use the women's if it's a single stall and I knock first. Otherwise, I won't enter for fear of being labeled as some strange perv or something (this is the burden of man that all...+READ
It think it's fine if either gender goes to the others' restroom in times of need (usually there's a huge line at the women's, but sometimes at restaurants, it's the other way around).
As a guy, I'll only occasionally use the women's if it's a single stall and I knock first. Otherwise, I won't enter for fear of being labeled as some strange perv or something (this is the burden of man that all guys have to carry).
On the other, I don't mind if a girl enters the guy's restroom (which I've seen in Vegas sometimes), but I woudln't advise it. Guy's restroom is typically trashed and disgusting. Plus you got guys being their usual crass selves and that's not something any woman really wants to see.-COLLAPSE
Are you kidding me? Are you actually saying women have the right o enter the men's bathroom to avoid a long line, and men can't do the same?
I call bullshit on the inequalities between men and women. Women have more rights socially then men, and have same political rights. Wait another fucking 10 minutes to use the restroom. It's like females have abandoned all etiquette and they expect men to...+READ
Are you kidding me? Are you actually saying women have the right o enter the men's bathroom to avoid a long line, and men can't do the same?
I call bullshit on the inequalities between men and women. Women have more rights socially then men, and have same political rights. Wait another fucking 10 minutes to use the restroom. It's like females have abandoned all etiquette and they expect men to be their social slaves.-COLLAPSE
iowastate's comment made me curious: why are women's rest rooms so busy? Do women have more important needs than men, or are they using it just to fix themselves up in the mirrors?
If it's the later, I guess they get what they deserve - if all of them use it when they don't absolutely need it, this is the penalty all of them pay.
I wouldn't mind girls using the men's restroom, but I would...+READ
iowastate's comment made me curious: why are women's rest rooms so busy? Do women have more important needs than men, or are they using it just to fix themselves up in the mirrors?
If it's the later, I guess they get what they deserve - if all of them use it when they don't absolutely need it, this is the penalty all of them pay.
I wouldn't mind girls using the men's restroom, but I would protest if they try to kick me out. It's the MEN's restroom, it's actually a privilege, not a right, for women to be there, so they have no authority to demand anything. If they'd try to stop me from entering my own restroom (and of course I wouldn't be there just to see myself in the mirror), then I'd either barge in (not on the girls in the stalls, mind you) AND threaten them to report their unlawful behavior. I'll take none of that, thank you very much!-COLLAPSE
In my high school when things got busy the girls rushed in and used the boys room but they would kick us out first.
I think there is nothing wrong and have seen it happen a couple of times when the lines became too long for a wait. In an emergency you just can't worry about things and men's room stalls are under used for the most part anyway.
Auburn California is a small town but there are a...+READ
In my high school when things got busy the girls rushed in and used the boys room but they would kick us out first.
I think there is nothing wrong and have seen it happen a couple of times when the lines became too long for a wait. In an emergency you just can't worry about things and men's room stalls are under used for the most part anyway.
Auburn California is a small town but there are a few unisex restrooms and they do very well thank you.-COLLAPSE
This is pretty dang funny. I use the phrase "Demand access to the men's room while zealously guarding the sanctity of the women's room" as a description of how absurd feminism has become.
What an absurd notion! Of course it's not alright.
I don't mind when women use the men's bathroom. It's happened to me once or twice where i'd walk in and see some girls there or I'd be using the urinal and they'd walk in (I'm a shy guy so it's slightly embarrasing).
really what would be weird to me is if an old women walked into the men's bathroom. I'd get out right away.
I'm not really that irritated by it, to be honest. I just see it as strange and paradoxical, but then again so are men (yeah, if a man has sex with lots of women, he's a "player", but if a woman has sex with lots of men, they're "whores"? also, men like lesbian sex and dislike gay one, but how do you think women feel about those? it's the exact opposite, so no one's right or wrong here, but...+READ
I'm not really that irritated by it, to be honest. I just see it as strange and paradoxical, but then again so are men (yeah, if a man has sex with lots of women, he's a "player", but if a woman has sex with lots of men, they're "whores"? also, men like lesbian sex and dislike gay one, but how do you think women feel about those? it's the exact opposite, so no one's right or wrong here, but somehow "normality" tends to gravitate towards the men's perspective, even though it should be both perspectives at the same time [i.e.: none is gross, all should be permitted])
Don't worry, I actually am laughing it off, at least part of it.
It's a bit sad though that we say all we want is equality, but then expect better treatment when we've reached that point (at least in some domains).
It's also a bit sad women spend most of their lives on maintenance, just so they look good for their men, so they can have their "toys" to brag about.
Life is just too short to waste it on obsessively trying to look good for others. Soon, all your life would pass and all you had done is... maintenance?
You say you don't like to be treated like slaves anymore, and yet that's exactly how you're behaving. You say you want to be equal, yet demand privileges. You say you want to be free, yet you always willingly enter your cage.
It's like all you're life you're preparing for something, preparing, preparing... and then dying before achieving it. Another analogy is that it's like you're saving money at each step, saving and saving and saving... and then you die, and you didn't get to enjoy one cent of what you saved. Even if you lived forever, you'd probably never touch a cent, so what's the point then?
Personally, I think women should spend less time fixing themselves up for quite a lot of time in the bathroom which the men won't even notice anyway, and instead spend it with the guy you're dating, not the mirror.
Like you said, life shouldn't be about fretting and fussing about irrelevant stuff, it should be about enjoying yourself.
What I find sad is that women aspire to certain things yet all they are (I'm talking in general here) are byproducts of male mentality, the complete opposite of what they aspire to, yet no one sees that. Truly a paradox interesting to think about.
Anyway, enough with the philosophies!
Congrats on having such a strong relationship! :D It's really nice to have someone dear to spend your life with. :)
I wish you lots of happy years ahead, and lots of good memories!
And hopefully, and end to all this gender discrimination, arrogance and general stupidity in the world. :D
PS: To elaborate a bit on my previous comment, when I said that women will be even less discouraged to go to the bathrooms if the crowd split, the reasoning was that because there would be shorter queues (split in two), most women will probably go to the bathroom more often, thus ending up in even more useless bottlenecks (and now the men have to wait in line too). Just thought I should mention it since I forgot to provide an argument for that.-COLLAPSE
Hi Cloud737. It's true we women do expect a lot. I just wish you could laugh some of this off, as I think it would be better for you. You gotta remember men and women are vastly different. We are indeed 'strange creatures' who 'think a lot about beautifying'. We want to look good for the men in our lives. Also I totally agree with you assessment of unisex bathrooms--that they are costly and have...+READ
Hi Cloud737. It's true we women do expect a lot. I just wish you could laugh some of this off, as I think it would be better for you. You gotta remember men and women are vastly different. We are indeed 'strange creatures' who 'think a lot about beautifying'. We want to look good for the men in our lives. Also I totally agree with you assessment of unisex bathrooms--that they are costly and have to be equipped so as to not leave us all feeling icky and embarrassed. However I hope someday you will laugh off some of these irritations. After 37 years of a wonderful marriage, my
husband and I realize these mutual gender irritations are not going.
away. In fact as life 'progresses' and 'advances' these irritations seems to be increasing. Laugh Cloud737, please laugh.-COLLAPSE
"It’s a woman’s right to use the men’s room when the women’s is too busy."
That's quite a fallacy and really discriminate. You can't right wrongs with other wrongs. A privilege implies an inequality. You can't make up an inequality with another inequality. It's like you're promoting nondiscrimination through symmetric discrimination.
Besides, if every woman thought that way, then the queue at...+READ
"It’s a woman’s right to use the men’s room when the women’s is too busy."
That's quite a fallacy and really discriminate. You can't right wrongs with other wrongs. A privilege implies an inequality. You can't make up an inequality with another inequality. It's like you're promoting nondiscrimination through symmetric discrimination.
Besides, if every woman thought that way, then the queue at the woman's bathroom would be split in half - half at the men's, half at the women's.
Then men who have urgent business may have to go to the women's bathroom, how do you like that? If you give women these rights, you inadvertently give it to men, too, even if you want to or not.
Besides that, women who go to the men's bathroom have to face the same problem as the one's in the women's bathroom that is invaded by men.
This may actually be an even worse solution, since women will be even less discouraged to go into the bathroom and occupy it for 10-15 minutes doing God knows what, so in the end you'll have even busier bathrooms on average than before.
Besides that, unisex bathroom stalls tend to be fewer than men and women stalls combined, due to them usually needing a separate sink and room, thus cost more (both in money and space), if you don't want people to feel strange, disgusted, embarrassed and dirty.
I think it's ok for a woman to use the men's bathroom if it's really urgent, but that should be the rare exception, not the general rule.
As a final thought to end this comment (even if someone may find it misogynistic, I assure you it would be the same if I was talking about my genre, and I also have lots of complaints about my genre, too), women are such strange creatures, always fussing about the stupidest things men may not even notice, worrying their whole lives and thinking only about beauty, even if it will last only till their 30s, take huge amounts doing so, and don't want to be discriminated and treated unfairly, yet they want so many privileges compared to men because it's "normal", like always having the door opened for them, having the physical work done by men, never be slapped or beaten by a man, etc. So, they don't want to be discriminated yet want to be discriminated. Make up your minds already!
Women...-COLLAPSE
I'm afraid it's not just the men who pee all over the seat. Some ladies commit the same disgusting offense. Many ladies prefer to squat and balance, rather than risk sitting. Public restrooms do present some daunting challenges:-)
Careful ladies, many men, not me, think nothing of peeing all over the seat. Grab some towels and soap, and clean up first. I once ran into my ex-wife coming out of the men's room at a football game in the Astrodome. We just laughed. The lines at the ladies room were disgraceful until they wised up and remodled the place.
I think Kim is right. News reports of bathroom rapes and murders are a fact. If I were to see a man coming into a multi-stalled restroom, I couldn't get out fast enough. I do however think anyone should be allowed to use a one unit restroom. There is another problem that maybe only basildip has noticed. Often there is a gap between the wall and the hinges that allows the door to swing. Anyone...+READ
I think Kim is right. News reports of bathroom rapes and murders are a fact. If I were to see a man coming into a multi-stalled restroom, I couldn't get out fast enough. I do however think anyone should be allowed to use a one unit restroom. There is another problem that maybe only basildip has noticed. Often there is a gap between the wall and the hinges that allows the door to swing. Anyone walking by can see into your stall. I am often uncomfortable with that, even when a woman walks by.-COLLAPSE
The only time either sex should switch is when it's a one person bathroom with a lock. In that case, it's fair game to me.
I think with individual one unit bathrooms, it's fine to use the men's or women's if the other one is empty, but I would only use it if I really had to go. With multiple stalls and urinals, I don't think it's ok to use the other genders'. Many smaller restaurants just have one unisex one toilet bathroom for everyone, and I think if it's just one toilet, then it really doesn't matter which gender...+READ
I think with individual one unit bathrooms, it's fine to use the men's or women's if the other one is empty, but I would only use it if I really had to go. With multiple stalls and urinals, I don't think it's ok to use the other genders'. Many smaller restaurants just have one unisex one toilet bathroom for everyone, and I think if it's just one toilet, then it really doesn't matter which gender is in which. Restaurants should just have two individual bathrooms, unlabeled.
The best example of gender not mattering recently was when I was at BRGR in NYC. The two restrooms are one toilet each and are labeled "Vegetarians" and "Carnivores".-COLLAPSE
You're right Kim, it's not the same thing. Women do their business in stalls while men may be semi-exposed using a urinal. Therefore I see no reason why women should object to men in the women's bathroom but the opposite is obviously not acceptable.
ajs: I can't imagine a man turning around before zipping. But I do agree with you: if women expect to be able to use the men's bathroom, they need to accept that this opens up the possibility of men using the women's bathroom in return.
I recall having a conversation one evening with another woman and we got onto the topic of accidentally walking into a men's room, and the men who overheard that exchange were profoundly, visibly affected by the prospect. Men likely would not take kindly to having their men's time intruded upon.... From what I understand, conversation isn't necessarily always appropriate in a men's room. Not that...+READ
I recall having a conversation one evening with another woman and we got onto the topic of accidentally walking into a men's room, and the men who overheard that exchange were profoundly, visibly affected by the prospect. Men likely would not take kindly to having their men's time intruded upon.... From what I understand, conversation isn't necessarily always appropriate in a men's room. Not that I make a habit of it. I have just occasionally taken a wrong turn!-COLLAPSE
Kim....Really? You can't go by 2 sets of rules. What's good for the goose is good for the gander. In addition, women's bathrooms have all stalls so there is always privacy. Men's bathrooms don't have the same privacy as women's bathrooms do. If you can't have men using women's rooms when necessary then women shouldn't be able to use the men's room. Would you be ok if a man turned around before...+READ
Kim....Really? You can't go by 2 sets of rules. What's good for the goose is good for the gander. In addition, women's bathrooms have all stalls so there is always privacy. Men's bathrooms don't have the same privacy as women's bathrooms do. If you can't have men using women's rooms when necessary then women shouldn't be able to use the men's room. Would you be ok if a man turned around before zipping up and you saw his equipment?-COLLAPSE
bbulkow -- You said, "So, gals, ask yourself the same question: if you saw a guy coming out of the woman's room, would you have a problem? That's the same answer to whether a woman can use the men's room."
While I have no problem with either gender using a one-holer with a lock, when it's a big room with several stalls, reversing the situation really isn't equivalent. While it would be...+READ
bbulkow -- You said, "So, gals, ask yourself the same question: if you saw a guy coming out of the woman's room, would you have a problem? That's the same answer to whether a woman can use the men's room."
While I have no problem with either gender using a one-holer with a lock, when it's a big room with several stalls, reversing the situation really isn't equivalent. While it would be embarrassing for either gender, it would also be frightening for a female to find a male in the rest room. As long as more men rape and kill women than the reverse, it's just not the same thing.-COLLAPSE
This past September I was traveling with friends and we stopped at a rest area to use the bathroom. The women's was locked because it was being cleaned and the port-a-potties in the lot were also locked or just jammed. By the time we got back to the regular bathroom area, there were about 10-15 women waiting, many with somewhat desperate looks on their faces.
Some guy came out of the men's saw...+READ
This past September I was traveling with friends and we stopped at a rest area to use the bathroom. The women's was locked because it was being cleaned and the port-a-potties in the lot were also locked or just jammed. By the time we got back to the regular bathroom area, there were about 10-15 women waiting, many with somewhat desperate looks on their faces.
Some guy came out of the men's saw us all standing there and asked what was going on. He then proceeded to check to confirm the men's was unoccupied and stood guard while all of the women used the men's multi-stalled bathroom. He made a bunch of women very happy that day.-COLLAPSE
The reverse situation happens too. Usually at a guy's hang-out like a sports bar or beer and pizza joint, but someplace upscale enough (or due to historical accident) that they don't have suitable men's facilities (like a trough).
So, gals, ask yourself the same question: if you saw a guy coming out of the woman's room, would you have a problem? That's the same answer to whether a woman can use...+READ
The reverse situation happens too. Usually at a guy's hang-out like a sports bar or beer and pizza joint, but someplace upscale enough (or due to historical accident) that they don't have suitable men's facilities (like a trough).
So, gals, ask yourself the same question: if you saw a guy coming out of the woman's room, would you have a problem? That's the same answer to whether a woman can use the men's room.
(PS. In informal polling, 70% of women I know say it's OK for guys to use the women's room, 30% say it's never OK regardless of the line. That's bad enough odds that I have to be desperate when deciding whether to duck into the lady's, and a little sheepish when I emerge.)-COLLAPSE
The first time I did this was at the Stage Delicatessen in NYC. Long line for women. Time problem for me. Took a deep breath and stalked into the men's room after scoping it carefully and deciding it was completely unoccupied. When I walked out, an astounded man heading for the door looked as though I'd pulled a gun on me. C'mon, fella, this is New York - haven't you seen anything any more...+READ
The first time I did this was at the Stage Delicatessen in NYC. Long line for women. Time problem for me. Took a deep breath and stalked into the men's room after scoping it carefully and deciding it was completely unoccupied. When I walked out, an astounded man heading for the door looked as though I'd pulled a gun on me. C'mon, fella, this is New York - haven't you seen anything any more interesting than this lately?-COLLAPSE
It is painful for me to come to a handicapped restroom and wait for
able bodied people to vacate. I am disabled and cannot stand up long or walk far. I don't know if you who are healthy can understand, but it is a hugh obstacle for me at the movies. Often I have to go in the middle of the movie. It is a struggle to get there and an even worse struggle to have to do prolonged standing. But I am...+READ
It is painful for me to come to a handicapped restroom and wait for
able bodied people to vacate. I am disabled and cannot stand up long or walk far. I don't know if you who are healthy can understand, but it is a hugh obstacle for me at the movies. Often I have to go in the middle of the movie. It is a struggle to get there and an even worse struggle to have to do prolonged standing. But I am still determined to try and enjoy some entertainment aspects of this life. Please think about this when you so freely allow yourselves to use handicapped restrooms.-COLLAPSE
sorry I didn't mean to post twice and meant to lavvy is short for lavatory, not short of lavoratory lol, there isn't a proofreading section on this part.....
Vorpal, I didn't say or mean that the term bathroom is crude. I am wondering why people say it as it sounds coy and twee to me. They are not going to have a bath are they? Restroom seems to be common to me as well but not as coy as bathroom. "Shitter" is very graphic isn't it and is not a term you would use in company. The terms loo especially and bog can be used in company. Another term is lavvy...+READ
Vorpal, I didn't say or mean that the term bathroom is crude. I am wondering why people say it as it sounds coy and twee to me. They are not going to have a bath are they? Restroom seems to be common to me as well but not as coy as bathroom. "Shitter" is very graphic isn't it and is not a term you would use in company. The terms loo especially and bog can be used in company. Another term is lavvy which is short of lavoratory. W.C stands for water closet and is often found marked on the 'restroom' doors in public places like restaurants. You do sometimes find certain people asking where the WC is. When I first visited England as a little kid I often encountered some outside WCs, yes, outside and sometimes at the end of someone's garden (backyard). They were usually the original Victorian ones with the high cisterns. Chamber pots were used inside the house at night. This was in the 1960s and 1970s.-COLLAPSE
cathodetube: If the disabled washroom is available, I definitely won't hesitate to use it! (I go to see movies several times a week here, and they have a washroom for disabled people, and it's such a delightful convenience). Since it's usually a private room, though, it frequently is taken, so about 50% of the time not an option.
Flushing during the act also helps with bad smells :-).
Stale...+READ
cathodetube: If the disabled washroom is available, I definitely won't hesitate to use it! (I go to see movies several times a week here, and they have a washroom for disabled people, and it's such a delightful convenience). Since it's usually a private room, though, it frequently is taken, so about 50% of the time not an option.
Flushing during the act also helps with bad smells :-).
Stale urine is a common smell to men's bathrooms, although I must also say that I have been in many where it isn't a problem: usually bathrooms with laser-powered urinals that flush automatically when the user is done. (I loathe laser-enabled bathrooms for the most part, but on urinals, it's a great idea. On toilets and sinks, it's a disaster.)
I'm not sure why bathroom became common here. In my neck of the woods (Ottawa, Ontario), you hear washroom as well, but not often restroom, which is also common in parts of North America, I believe, and may be less crude to some ears. Funny that you find the term crude: I always thought that loo and bog were rather crude myself, almost akin to "shitter", which is crude slang here for bathroom :-).-COLLAPSE
Vorpal and others with Crohn's etc, Can you/do you use the disabled toilets? They are usually more private. A good tip to get rid of smells is carry a matchbook around you with you and light a match afterwards and and then immediately blow it. Gets rid of bad smells pronto. Toilet etiquette is so fraught with possible misunderstandings isn't it? The thing I always notice about the mens room is...+READ
Vorpal and others with Crohn's etc, Can you/do you use the disabled toilets? They are usually more private. A good tip to get rid of smells is carry a matchbook around you with you and light a match afterwards and and then immediately blow it. Gets rid of bad smells pronto. Toilet etiquette is so fraught with possible misunderstandings isn't it? The thing I always notice about the mens room is that is always smells of stale urine. I have used them before and had to breathe through my mouth. In France there isn't any problem as there are unisex. And why do Americans call them the bathrooms still? It's as if the term toilet is offensive to the ear. The terms bog and loo are common in England.-COLLAPSE
Caralien: That's a really callous attitude to pull. I have had to spend 10-15 minutes in the men's single washroom before because of gastrointestinal health issues (severe Crohn's Disease). Rest assured that I did not want to, and when I left, I made sure that it was clean and took precautions to avoid stinking up the joint. The extreme pain, sacrifice (especially as a foodie), humiliation, and...+READ
Caralien: That's a really callous attitude to pull. I have had to spend 10-15 minutes in the men's single washroom before because of gastrointestinal health issues (severe Crohn's Disease). Rest assured that I did not want to, and when I left, I made sure that it was clean and took precautions to avoid stinking up the joint. The extreme pain, sacrifice (especially as a foodie), humiliation, and inconvenience of having a gastrointestinal disorder is bad enough; people who are judgmental and demonstrate no empathy whatsoever are the icing on the cake, I guess.
I, too, would feel creepy using the ladies' room, even though I'm a gay guy. There have been times, though, where I have absolutely no choice: there's one stall in the men's room (such an irritatingly common occurrence) which is in use and promises to be in use for some time, and it's either the ladies' room or I soil myself. It's a terrible decision to have to make, but having experienced both alternatives on numerous occasions, using the ladies' room will win out every time for me now.-COLLAPSE
I kinda like Caralien's post, though the 50 to zero line ratio is a pretty extreme use of hyperbole.
For myself, I'd feel creepy about using the Ladies' room, moreso than if a woman were to walk into the Gents' while I was in there.
While we are doing all this cross urinating, how do we distinguish the
perverts, who have other intentions? Maybe I am the crazy one, but if I looked up and saw a man coming into the restroom, my first instinct would be to scream, then scream louder and prepare to fight my way out.
"It’s a woman’s right to use the men’s room when the women’s is too busy. Consider it one of the few little privileges we enjoy to make up for the many inequalities we suffer."what .this is so wrong on so many levels(also sounds whiny)you may use our washroom but if you think its a right your mistakin.oh anouther thing ,your more than welcome to try peeing in the stupid troughs some places still...+READ
"It’s a woman’s right to use the men’s room when the women’s is too busy. Consider it one of the few little privileges we enjoy to make up for the many inequalities we suffer."what .this is so wrong on so many levels(also sounds whiny)you may use our washroom but if you think its a right your mistakin.oh anouther thing ,your more than welcome to try peeing in the stupid troughs some places still have.-COLLAPSE
It's not a big deal: 50 people in line for women's room, none for men's room.
I've used men's room when needed. As with the men at the urinal, I don't check out packages (or lack therof). Most guys get it.
Ditto for men. My husband has used the "lady's" single room when some guy has been in the "men's" single room for an insane amount of time--10, 15 minutes (seriously, would you really want...+READ
It's not a big deal: 50 people in line for women's room, none for men's room.
I've used men's room when needed. As with the men at the urinal, I don't check out packages (or lack therof). Most guys get it.
Ditto for men. My husband has used the "lady's" single room when some guy has been in the "men's" single room for an insane amount of time--10, 15 minutes (seriously, would you really want to go into that room after some has been in there that long?).-COLLAPSE
I still haven't figured out why we have gender designated single unit bathrooms. I use which ever bathroom is open.
I don't think it's a big deal if someone needs to use the opposite sex assigned bathroom. People should be a little understanding. if it's a woman in the men's room and guys are at the urinal then, yeah, she shouldn't dawdle but I doubt there is a big pack of women roaming around trying to get a peak at men peeing. If it's a man in the women's room then he's in a stall and it's an embarrassing...+READ
I don't think it's a big deal if someone needs to use the opposite sex assigned bathroom. People should be a little understanding. if it's a woman in the men's room and guys are at the urinal then, yeah, she shouldn't dawdle but I doubt there is a big pack of women roaming around trying to get a peak at men peeing. If it's a man in the women's room then he's in a stall and it's an embarrassing situation for him, too.
And if the facilities are one-person bathrooms then it really doesn't make any difference; people should get in and out of those as quickly as is reasonable anyway, regardless of whether they are "gender bending" or not.-COLLAPSE
I also have Crohns disease and when I have to go I HAVE TO GO. Mens room occupied or out of order? I dont hesitate to use the womens room. I have also cut the line before, specifically at Sporting Events, if you say you have an emergensy and you have a condition people are understanding.
If it is an emergency it is appropriate. If you are too impatient to wait because your fellow females are...+READ
I also have Crohns disease and when I have to go I HAVE TO GO. Mens room occupied or out of order? I dont hesitate to use the womens room. I have also cut the line before, specifically at Sporting Events, if you say you have an emergensy and you have a condition people are understanding.
If it is an emergency it is appropriate. If you are too impatient to wait because your fellow females are slow, well too bad.-COLLAPSE
The bathrooms in a newish Hollywood restaurant, not Japanese, are labeled only in kanji, making it impossible for everyone. Problem solved.
And it is funny that a CH post slightly alluding to Minneapolis in a Chicago thread is yanked within seconds, while the spam above has remained for several days.
MacTAC, I wholeheartedly agree with your idea for a gender neutral restroom facility. mountaincachers, as a mother who's leery of letting her ADHD/Asperger's Syndrome-afflicted child go into a strange restroom by herself, I feel exactly as you do about the possible perils of public restrooms. I say we parents need to err on the side of caution, and that more individual unisex restrooms or family...+READ
MacTAC, I wholeheartedly agree with your idea for a gender neutral restroom facility. mountaincachers, as a mother who's leery of letting her ADHD/Asperger's Syndrome-afflicted child go into a strange restroom by herself, I feel exactly as you do about the possible perils of public restrooms. I say we parents need to err on the side of caution, and that more individual unisex restrooms or family restrooms or at least stalls for all would be a big help in so many ways.-COLLAPSE
Individual unisex bathrooms are much more expensive than two big ones one for each sex. One room with six fixtures is a fraction of the cost of six individual bathrooms. In addition, six individual bathrooms times 2 for each sex=12 bathrooms. Where is the room for these 12 bathrooms going to come from? It's obvious that no one posting here is in the restaurant business.
My gender bending bathroom issue has to do with me (a woman) taking my son with me into the bathroom. Maybe I am imagining the men's bathrooms to be much more dangerous than they are, but not knowing who might be lurking inside, I take him with me. Most women who are mothers don't give it a thought, but on occasion, we get rude stares. It's completely ridiculous because everything in a women's...+READ
My gender bending bathroom issue has to do with me (a woman) taking my son with me into the bathroom. Maybe I am imagining the men's bathrooms to be much more dangerous than they are, but not knowing who might be lurking inside, I take him with me. Most women who are mothers don't give it a thought, but on occasion, we get rude stares. It's completely ridiculous because everything in a women's room is happening in stalls, so there aren't privacy issues. The whole thing would be avoided with individual unisex bathrooms or more family bathrooms.-COLLAPSE
first, what has this article have to do with food and second why is there a spam post still in this thread above with no way to report it??
"So in other words, all bathrooms are unisex."
Maybe in your words but not in mine.
"I fail to see the difference between what you have described and all men's rooms."
It is no more "all men's rooms" than it's a women's room with urinals. It's just a way that a shared facility could provide more privacy.
The principle is really quite simple. Women, and men that require a toilet, have their...+READ
"So in other words, all bathrooms are unisex."
Maybe in your words but not in mine.
"I fail to see the difference between what you have described and all men's rooms."
It is no more "all men's rooms" than it's a women's room with urinals. It's just a way that a shared facility could provide more privacy.
The principle is really quite simple. Women, and men that require a toilet, have their privacy in the stalls. Men that only require a urinal do not have women walking past them, making it more comfortable for both genders. No problems sharing wash basins and mirrors.
Urinals speed up the process, save space allowing more fixtures, save water, free up toilets and eliminate the problem of those that don't put up the seats.
Seems a logical possible solution to a gender neutral facility but I could be wrong. I haven't had any issues with the status quo so far anyway...-COLLAPSE
So in other words, all bathrooms are unisex. I fail to see the difference between what you have described and all men's rooms.
We're talking about facilities that either (or any) gender may use. That doesn't mean it can't have a fixture that is only convenient for males (urinal) or required only for females (sanitary items dispenser).
If it has urinals, it's not unisex.
"First of all, where the urinals go is dictated by where the plumbing is."
I know...
"Secondly, are you serious? Men's bathrooms have to be designed for the consideration of women?"
Not men's bathrooms. Unisex...
This is one of the most ridiculous things I've ever heard. Restrooms should all be "unisex," to be used by those that need them (Male, Female, Trans, etc). It's not like women using "men's" restrooms are there to leer - just there to pee. Really, the solution lies in public restrooms being all stalls. Men don't need urinals to urinate (I've never been to a private residence with one yet), and it...+READ
This is one of the most ridiculous things I've ever heard. Restrooms should all be "unisex," to be used by those that need them (Male, Female, Trans, etc). It's not like women using "men's" restrooms are there to leer - just there to pee. Really, the solution lies in public restrooms being all stalls. Men don't need urinals to urinate (I've never been to a private residence with one yet), and it would alleviate the suffering of the dreaded "woman's restroom" line, and any discomfort for trans/gender queer individuals.-COLLAPSE
MacTAC.. First of all, where the urinals go is dictated by where the plumbing is. Secondly, are you serious? Men's bathrooms have to be designed for the consideration of women? As far is this issue is concerned I have mixed feelings about this. I guess as long as men can use the women's room without any flack it's ok. And just as long as there are no women who complain that they saw something...+READ
MacTAC.. First of all, where the urinals go is dictated by where the plumbing is. Secondly, are you serious? Men's bathrooms have to be designed for the consideration of women? As far is this issue is concerned I have mixed feelings about this. I guess as long as men can use the women's room without any flack it's ok. And just as long as there are no women who complain that they saw something that they didn't want to see.-COLLAPSE
Someone needs to ban the damn ads.
To those few of you who say flat-out no, it's not OK...reason being?
Put the urinals at the far end, partitioned off, and the stalls and sinks in the common area...
In most areas of the country there are city or state laws and building codes that mandate the number of toilet facilities for each sex depending on the type of establishment, the size, and other criteria. This includes the number of lavatories (sinks), water closets (toilets) and urinals in each bathroom.
And yes, these laws were mostly written by men, and many are based on some pretty obsolete...+READ
In most areas of the country there are city or state laws and building codes that mandate the number of toilet facilities for each sex depending on the type of establishment, the size, and other criteria. This includes the number of lavatories (sinks), water closets (toilets) and urinals in each bathroom.
And yes, these laws were mostly written by men, and many are based on some pretty obsolete assumptions, such as the percentage of men and women likely to be at a sporting event in an arena or at a bar. Theatres are generally a bit more equitable, but at best have parity.
If I were a woman, I can't imagine walking into a large multi-occupant men's room, but I've seen it and just figure.... wow, she REALLY needs to go. I can not imagine the fuss that would arise were a man to do the same thing, but I'm guessing it would likely end with the police being called.-COLLAPSE
Helena who writes the column gives the appearance of being a Femi-Nazi and would like a Pity Party. I do not have a problem with a women using the men's room or a man using the ladies room.
Why is this even a discussion? If you need to use the loo and there is one available, then void away. What in the world is the big deal?
ratgirlagogo, you're so right! Back when I was just a wee (no pun intended :-)) sprout growing up in NYC, my late mother taught me to keep a list of the public restrooms in whatever part of town we happened to be in, just in case. My family and I have lost track of how many times this knowledge has come in handy not only for us, but for fellow "sufferers"! :-)
Off topic, but in Cascais, Portugal, there's an restaurant whose WC doors are not verbally or pictorially labelled. One is pink, the other blue, that's all.
Only if they sit on my lap.
This one made me think of the last figure skating competition I attended. Because such competitions are attended by far more women than men, the arena mgmt 'converted' a lot of the men's washrooms to women's. Converted = putting piece of paper over 'men's' that said 'women's'
women absolutely should be able to use an individual men's room. and guess what - visa versa too.
It's a problem, guys. Get over it. "Potty Parity" is a hot issue when new stadiums, arena, and theatres are being built for just that reason.
More urinals can be packed into a space than stalls with toilets, so aside from the time you take vs. the time we take because of clothing issues (leaving out the issue of "primping", which not all of us do in there) there are just fewer facilities in our...+READ
It's a problem, guys. Get over it. "Potty Parity" is a hot issue when new stadiums, arena, and theatres are being built for just that reason.
More urinals can be packed into a space than stalls with toilets, so aside from the time you take vs. the time we take because of clothing issues (leaving out the issue of "primping", which not all of us do in there) there are just fewer facilities in our room vs. yours, hence the lines.
http://banzhaf.net/docs/potty_parity.html-COLLAPSE
DorianKTB is the only poster who has mentioned one of the main reasons the line for the women's room is longer than for the mens' - that women are much more likely to be accompanying children to the bathroom than men are.
Any male living in NYC has undoubtedly leaked gallons between buildings, dumpsters, trees & trucks. Anyone who says otherwise is full of malarkey. You don't always have the chance to seek out a public bathroom. I'm cool with this.
Not to get all PC here, but this is actually a pretty touchy issue for transgendered individuals. For that reason, most municipalities have passed laws that deal with this issue (who's allowed to go into which bathroom) so just a heads up there's more to it than "etiquette".
Most women do not take lots of time on grooming. It's obvious that the gals simply have a lot more clothing to rearrange. It takes time to unbutton, unzip, drop trou, sit or squat, pee, wipe, tuck in the blouse smoothly, zip up, button waistband, fasten belt. Even in skirts, we have a few more steps than just unzipping, whipping it out, giving a quick shake, and zipping back up. Think about it....+READ
Most women do not take lots of time on grooming. It's obvious that the gals simply have a lot more clothing to rearrange. It takes time to unbutton, unzip, drop trou, sit or squat, pee, wipe, tuck in the blouse smoothly, zip up, button waistband, fasten belt. Even in skirts, we have a few more steps than just unzipping, whipping it out, giving a quick shake, and zipping back up. Think about it. Sorry to have to be more graphic, but it seems some guys need a roadmap.-COLLAPSE
Ok maybe that was too harsh. Are we allowed to go into the ladies room if we want to?
Stay the hell out of our men's room!
You are right Dorian, if the doors have a lock who cares. There are a couple of places I frequent about 8am and there always seems to be some old man who has to do what he should have done before he left home( I've seen them go in with a newspaper and lock the door) so i'll use the womens and lock the door.
I'm a gal, and if I really can't hold it in, or my child has to go, I have no qualms about barging into a men's room as a last resort, especially if it's a one-seater with a lock. Public restroom designers of the world, either make all stalls unisex, or give women's restrooms more stalls!
I've used men's restrooms many times because I know I'm very quick. I don't think anyone has been bothered by it.
I agree that if your plan is to check your hair, put on lipstick, ect, than just use the womens room and wait. But it seems like in these instances, when it feels like an emergency, it is totally acceptable to use the men's. Men would rather you use their bathroom than have an...+READ
I've used men's restrooms many times because I know I'm very quick. I don't think anyone has been bothered by it.
I agree that if your plan is to check your hair, put on lipstick, ect, than just use the womens room and wait. But it seems like in these instances, when it feels like an emergency, it is totally acceptable to use the men's. Men would rather you use their bathroom than have an accident on yourself.
Bathrooms designers should focus on making more toilets for women to use in comparison than men's toilets. The truth is that women DO take longer and the solution is give them more toilets so backups don't happen.-COLLAPSE
In Boston there used to be a restaurant with 2 individual restrooms. One was labeled "People," and the other "Humans." Problem solved!
NO, it is never OK. If you use our bathrooms then we will have to wait while you put on your lipstick on, check your teeth and brush your hair.
Not all of us girls do all that primping in the bathroom. I go in, do my business, wash my hands, make sure I don't have anything in my teeth and I GTFO.
If there was a line and I REALLY had to go, I'd certainly go into a men's room with or without anyone else in there. It's not like the guys are having "sword" fights in there or stripping down to use the urinal and I'm certainly not going to...+READ
Not all of us girls do all that primping in the bathroom. I go in, do my business, wash my hands, make sure I don't have anything in my teeth and I GTFO.
If there was a line and I REALLY had to go, I'd certainly go into a men's room with or without anyone else in there. It's not like the guys are having "sword" fights in there or stripping down to use the urinal and I'm certainly not going to "check out" the goods while I'm in there either. Desperate times call for desperate measures! If I get any grief from anyone for it, I'd tell them "well, it was either here or on the floor..." I'm sure they would not appreciate me leaving a puddle in the hallway while waiting for the ladies to open up... ^_^-COLLAPSE
I would use the men's restroom in an emergency
frankly, i don't see a problem here. only a solution. most of our (guys) stalls are empty most of the time, and most of us don't give a hoot if a gal glances at the back of our jeans while we're face-in at the urinal.
The problem is that whoever designs bathrooms, in any public space (restaurants, arenas, etc) often forget that women take longer than men do to use bathrooms. It's not as simple as just pulling down a zipper. I'd say most of the time, you end up having to wipe the seat because someone sprinkled before you, then clothing, bathroom, then clothing again. All of that takes time which more often than...+READ
The problem is that whoever designs bathrooms, in any public space (restaurants, arenas, etc) often forget that women take longer than men do to use bathrooms. It's not as simple as just pulling down a zipper. I'd say most of the time, you end up having to wipe the seat because someone sprinkled before you, then clothing, bathroom, then clothing again. All of that takes time which more often than not, leads to lines. So if there's a single unit men's bathroom not being utilized, it's fair game in my eyes. A toilet is a toilet.-COLLAPSE
If the problem is women taking too long in the restroom, why should the solution involve men at all?
I'm sorry, ladies, but it's your problem - deal with it.
If the bathrooms are individual washrooms and there's a line at the ladies', yes, I'll use the men's. I do that all the time, but I make sure to be real quick in case a guy comes along and has to wait. I agree that it really makes sense to have single unisex washrooms to avoid this sort of problem.
As for all these novelty bathroom arrangements, I don't like them. I'm pee-shy, so I don't want...+READ
If the bathrooms are individual washrooms and there's a line at the ladies', yes, I'll use the men's. I do that all the time, but I make sure to be real quick in case a guy comes along and has to wait. I agree that it really makes sense to have single unisex washrooms to avoid this sort of problem.
As for all these novelty bathroom arrangements, I don't like them. I'm pee-shy, so I don't want translucent walls or unisex multiple-stall arrangements. I want (need) privacy!-COLLAPSE
This is a case-by-case situation. In the case of individual washrooms, the tiny ones we have in a city -- certainly, if one's open, a lady can use either one, even if they're labeled.
If they're gender-labeled multi-user bathrooms, I hate to say it but the ladies are gonna have to wait. But then, what gal in her right mind would stroll past the guys "hangin' out" at the urinals to go use a...+READ
This is a case-by-case situation. In the case of individual washrooms, the tiny ones we have in a city -- certainly, if one's open, a lady can use either one, even if they're labeled.
If they're gender-labeled multi-user bathrooms, I hate to say it but the ladies are gonna have to wait. But then, what gal in her right mind would stroll past the guys "hangin' out" at the urinals to go use a stall, right?
I certainly don't think that the letter-writer should feel self-conscious about ducking into an (individual) bathroom for which there's no line, when the alternative is waiting in line for the ladies room. Now, if there's a line for the ladies, and her alternative is to use a multi-user men's room, isn't it going to be tacky when she emerges from her stall to wash her hands and she's confronted by an in-coming guy?-COLLAPSE
I tried to do this over the summer when the women's bathroom in the building I was in was being cleaned, but my best male friend got totally freaked out and wouldn't let me... >__<
We had to leave and wander around looking for another non-restaurant (and therefore guilt-free without buying something) bathroom.
An alternative, be really confusing like the Saturn Cafe in Santa Cruz, two full sized normal bathrooms with multiple stalls and urinals in each with no discernibly sexed signs on the doors.
The answer is no, it's not OK.
Somewhere between the part where you were talking about whether it was okay for me to duck into the men's room if the women's room line was too long and the part where you started talking about sharing a mirror and poking around in an armoire and sneaking a peek through the opaque glass into the next stall, I got knd of confused. What was the question again?
As long as it goes both ways. I've had to use the designated women's individual bathroom units many times myself: I have Crohn's Disease and when I need to go, I need to go, and sometimes I get a 15 second warning.
My experience is that people all need to be a little more understanding when it comes to bathrooms and sharing.
"Women like to put their lipstick on, check their teeth and hair, and they don’t want to do it in front of guys.”
yea well don't pull that **** in the men's room. Get in and get out.