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Original poster

Toilet cubicle etiquette

244 replies

MaryBethMayfair · 20/06/2024 10:49

Female toilets in work. As per diagram.
AIBU that C is the 'correct' choice of cubicle, assuming all cubicles are empty upon entry?

I was just in cubicle C, and someone entered moments behind me, and went into B. I think that's madness and can't fathom why, out of the two remaining cubicles available, you'd opt to go into the one right next to someone. curious to know if others would have done the same.

I believe that statistically, A is apparently the cleanest cubicle, due to it being used least.

YABU: B is a good cubicle choice, I like to be in the middle of things.
YANBU: B is madness and should only be selected when A and C are otherwise engaged.

Toilet cubicle etiquette
OP posts:
Haribosweets · 21/06/2024 20:33

Your diagram is my exact setup at work! I always go for C first as it's slighty bigger. If that is taken the I use A for the same reason as you! I don't think I've used B before in my place 🤣

Goingasteady30 · 21/06/2024 20:18

I normally walk along the cubicles assessing the state of each cubicle and then park my cheeks on the first decent option.

RightOnTheEdge · 21/06/2024 20:15

I agree OP. The people who go in the cubicle next to you when others are empty are total weirdos, like the ones who sit next to you on the bus or right next to you in the cinema when there are loads of empty seats.

There are 15 ladies toilet cubicles at my work and the other day someone used the one right next to me even though we were the only ones there. Very weird 🤣

helpfulperson · 21/06/2024 20:13

I'm on a campsite this weekend. Every time I go to the toilet I'm getting paranoid about whether I'm using the 'correct' cubicle. Never even thought about it before.

PrincessMee · 21/06/2024 20:03

FireandBrimstone · 21/06/2024 17:42

EXACTLY THIS is the Mumsnet post I’ve had in my mind to write for literally years.

100% agree with you OP, anyone who chooses the cubicle right next to an occupied one, when others are empty, is batshit crazy.

They are the same as that stupid guy who parks alongside you when there are a million other empty spaces!

OnTheRightSideOfGeography · 21/06/2024 19:54

Melvyn Bragg actually had a double feature-length episode of In Our Time about this exact topic on R4 last week. It was fascinating - I've already listened to it 26 times.

Personally, I have 'my' cubicle that I always insist on using and, if it is occupied - even if there are inferior empty ones - I will simply beat the door down and drag the current incumbent out before taking office myself.

Wha' a load o' pesh!

fetchacloth · 21/06/2024 19:48

It's a cubicle FFS it doesn't matter.🙄
If you don't want people to hear what you are doing, flush the toilet before using.

Pippetypoppity · 21/06/2024 19:20

You are absolutely right Op. Unless there is loud overhead music playing always save the other persons dignity by allowing at least one degree of separation. Imagine if the first person was a particularly percussive pooper (or a timpanic tinkler for that matter!). This is one concert for which the orchestrator would prefer not to have an audience!!

LadyAddle · 21/06/2024 19:17

Excellent diagram. I always use the cubicle with the door that opens outwards, as I am large and made larger when carrying shopping. I do check I've locked it though.

babybeets · 21/06/2024 19:08

Oh, I’m with you OP. Definitely look for an opportunity to be one away - same at the gym on treadmill. Why would you want to be sharing such close proximity when you don’t have to? Although old lady bladder often makes the decision for me 😳.

Abitorangelooking · 21/06/2024 19:04

At work people seem to have their cubicle of choice. Our loos are the same as yours so Kelly will always use the middle one regardless of which other is occupied. I am a don’t care for a wee. For a poo I go upstairs to a little used loo with a window that opens!

MidnightMeltdown · 21/06/2024 19:01

MidnightMeltdown · 21/06/2024 18:59

I usually inspect several cubicles before committing to a decision.

Usually there's one where the lock doesn't work, one that has no loo role, one that smells etc etc

Being next to an occupied cubicle is the least of my worries. It wouldn't even cross my mind!

Loo roll! 🤦‍♀️

It's been a long day

MidnightMeltdown · 21/06/2024 18:59

I usually inspect several cubicles before committing to a decision.

Usually there's one where the lock doesn't work, one that has no loo role, one that smells etc etc

Being next to an occupied cubicle is the least of my worries. It wouldn't even cross my mind!

Whizzgosh · 21/06/2024 18:53

You’re right. C is the natural choice and A if C is occupied. Except where I used to work where B was the only sensible option, C had a dodgy flush and A a wonky seat.

starfishmummy · 21/06/2024 18:51

Not sure why 🤔 Maybe because it has a wall on one side.

I always had a preferred cubicle at work and I think it was for that exact reason!!

SuperBlondie28 · 21/06/2024 18:44

In my local Costco, the ladies cubicles are about 8 in a row. I always, if paper present and it's clean and available , pick the one further away from the entrance ..

Not sure why 🤔 Maybe because it has a wall on one side.

I have noticed mothers and their young children use the ones nearest the entrance. More like to leave pee on the seat so perhaps that's why subconsciously.

Londonrach1 · 21/06/2024 18:43

Seriously it's a toilet I don't see which one I go into ..who cares. Yabu and Abit strange.

DisabledDemon · 21/06/2024 18:41

My concerns are is it clean and is there loo paper. After that, meh.

cremebrulait · 21/06/2024 18:38

Elphame · 20/06/2024 10:52

Do people actually think/worry about these things?

The world is a very strange place. First clean one is fine by me.

Thank you!

This is one of those things where the real answer is - what other old etiquette rules can you share OP? Maybe you could make them into a book and market to conspiracy theorists…. Or souvenir shops. 😂

Ginnnny · 21/06/2024 18:05

I have a preferred cubicle at work and only care about whether or not that cubicle is free when I get there haha

MumMRM · 21/06/2024 17:57

OMG! Of all the weirdest posts this must be at the top! What does it matter, they can not see you so why does it matter?

starfishmummy · 21/06/2024 17:51

Maybe someone had wee'd on the seat in A so the middle-widdler backed out and chose B instead.

FireandBrimstone · 21/06/2024 17:42

EXACTLY THIS is the Mumsnet post I’ve had in my mind to write for literally years.

100% agree with you OP, anyone who chooses the cubicle right next to an occupied one, when others are empty, is batshit crazy.

Rubyupbeat · 21/06/2024 08:02

Same as most others, first clean one I find. In fact, despite of my increased mobility problems I still very rarely use the disabled toilets because they always seem to be dirty (it takes a month of Sundays to get back in a standing position though)

Valeriekat · 21/06/2024 07:17

Fantastic diagram! A