By Kristina Biel
When it comes to using the bathroom, I’d rather not have people have the ability to hear what’s going on in that world. It’s very uncomfortable and overall isn’t welcomed. What makes it worse is when you can hear what’s going on in the stall next to you too. Nobody wants to hear that. Now that you know why it’s such a bother we can teach proper bathroom etiquette.
First when entering the bathroom you should not mention anything about the state of the bathroom (like when walking into a McDonald’s bathroom don’t talk about the smell) until after you are out. Also enter quietly into the restroom of your choice, yet not like silently, just a noticeable amount of noise.
Secondly, when choosing a stall to do your business in and someone is in another stall and all other stalls are free, never go in the stall directly beside them, if there are five stalls the correct order of occupancy is 5,1,3,2/4. It should go last stall, first stall, middle stall, and every other then on until you are forced to be directly next to someone.
Finally when you finish doing your business, make sure you flush. Many people of younger ages do not understand the need to flush, or wash their hands, which is gross. I recommend singing Happy Birthday whilst washing your hands to get fully clean.
Now you know the proper etiquette to using a bathroom. So next time you use it you should not be able to hear the person in there with you’s business, and they should not hear you, or feel insecure when doing the do.
Kristina Biel is a student at Fillmore Central High School. She is one of 14 area students participating in the Journal Writing Project, now in its 23rd year.