One of the big news items of the day is the revelation that Sen. Larry Craig had pled guilty to some charge related to foot and hand gestures allegedly made in a public men's room. So apparently there are men out there who don't know the unwritten code of conduct in public restrooms.
A review is in order.
Once you enter a public restroom don't talk to anyone. If an acquaintance tries to start a conversation, ignore them. If you can't ignore them, at least control the topic of conversation and never talk about anything but football, baseball or basketball. Soccer may be acceptable in some jurisdictions.
Don't make eye contact, and don't look at any body parts other than your own. Don't wear dark glasses, because others won't know that you aren't looking at them. Dark glasses might be acceptable if you are carrying a white cane.
Now the most important part. If you are sitting in a stall and someone in the adjacent stall tries to play footsie with you, zip up and get out! Don't say "May I help you?", "Excuse me?" or anything else that might be construed as friendly banter or else you could be be arrested for soliciting, or worse, solicited. Don't be rude or you might get arrested for disorderly conduct. Simply evacuate the premises as fast as you can. You've stepped in a trap, and the only thing you can do is try to get out before the jaws slam shut.
Finally, homework. Watch this youtube video titled Male Restroom Etiquette which dramatizes rules of the men's room in a very eloquent and instructive manner. Consequences of rule violations are probably more localized than depicted, however.
evacuate the premises
Heh. That could have used a "no pun intended" disclaimer.
Unless, of course, one was intended.
Posted by: Eric | September 06, 2007 at 03:45 PM
Drat. Nabbed by the pun patrol. Eric, let's let your comment serve as a disclaimer.
(Sorry to take so long to respond to your comment, but Typepad's email notification feature apparently was on the blink.)
Posted by: Geo | September 09, 2007 at 01:23 PM