to think there is something wrong with Americans?

[TheBloodManCometh]

In Colorado, here for 5 weeks.

Why the HELL is there a half inch gap on either side of the door in all public toilets?? You can see everything going on!!!
This has been the case everywhere I've been in America?
AIBU to be both baffled and embarrassed

lighthearted btw. I don't really think there's something wrong with the Americans

[StealthPolarBear]

That does sound odd. Do Americans lock themselves in more than average?

[TheBloodManCometh]

Maybe? No one else thinks it's weird. I try and hang my coat and bag strategically from the door

[TravellingToad]

I agree. I HATE that about American loos! Why are they like that and why do Americans presumably not think it's odd?

[thecageisfull]

Someone told me it was so you couldn't shag in them, which I wouldn't think was so much of a problem to force a redesign, but what other explanation is there?

[Suefla62]

If a door is closed we don't bother to look!

[OutragedFromLeeds]

I've noticed this in America as well. I actually quite like it though because I'm claustrophobic and the openness of the cubicle comforts me

[BrianButterfield]

I agree, it's weird, and I can never work out how to flush them either! I remember standing in the loo at JFK thinking "SOMETHING on this toilet must flush it!" It turned out to be a weird handle thing on the back of the actual seat - hard to explain but it took ages to find.

[HermioneWeasley]

I read somewhere that cubicles in the US are standard size/construction. Not sure why thT explains the gaps in the frame though, but if you notice they are much more standardised than the UK.

[TobyZiegler]

While I dislike your thread title... I was also shocked the first time I used an American public loo. I can't understand why the gap is needed. When you're on the toilet you can see out, therefore anyone else can see in? I avoided using the toilet anywhere but the hotel .

[seagull70]

Agree

Love America and love Americans.

But your toilet cubicles are just bizarre

[angelohsodelight]

I think it stems from many years ago when people used to do drugs in toilets, so they introduced the doors with the gap to reduce drug activity. It worked so they stayed!

[SconeRhymesWithGone]

Trust me, we Americans don't go around peeping into the cracks in the restroom stalls.

Why don't people in the UK serve cream with coffee instead of milk, that's what I want to know.

[FiftyShadesOfGreen4205]

And WHY are the water levels so high?

[TheBloodManCometh]

I don't know what the benefit of having half inch gaps on the door would be if you got locked in, though. You could potential post plastic cheese through?

[Chloe01mum]

As an IBS sufferer who can sometimes be caught very short I'm
a bit worried about my next holiday now

[LondonRocks]

YY Fifty

Talk about splash back!

[TobyZiegler]

I know why a lot of German toilets have a little shelf thing inside and the water level is below it and trust me you really don't want to know why that is.

[TheBloodManCometh]

Chloe my wooly poncho has been a lifesaver because you can drape it.

I don't care if no one is looking in, I can see everyone whilst in there!

[TheBloodManCometh]

Toby you can't say that and no say why! !

[FiftyShadesOfGreen4205]

And what is it with the high water levels?

[GilmoursPillow]

Canadian toilets are the same.

[StealthPolarBear]

I get claustrophobic in public toilets. Think if I was locked in the gap would stop me panicking

[FiftyShadesOfGreen4205]

Fuck! Wanker iphone :o

[LondonRocks]

Toby - come on!!