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To break up over toilet hygiene (or lack thereof)?

313 replies

wobblychicken · 05/01/2025 17:44

Name changed for this one.

So I've been seeing a new chap for several months - my first relationship since divorcing over three years ago, and with a lot of dead-end online dates in the interim. I.e. quite a big deal for me to have entered into. Lovely chap, very like-minded, considerate high-achieving professional, seems into me, etc. - and the relationship is exclusive.

I need a sense of perspective on this issue - not the only emergent niggle in the relationship, but the most "in your face" (as it were) in recent weeks.

Most of our "sleepover" dates are at mine for various reasons. I've noticed bad toilet hygiene at mine in terms of weeing on the seat / leaving poo stains, which I wasn't overly impressed with, but didn't say anything at the time. Last week I was at his - not the first occasion, but this round time the toilet / bathroom was pretty grim. Not Trainspotter bad or anything - but think piss and pubes caked into the ceramic and bristles / toothpaste residue all over the sink. The rest of his place is cluttered but clean enough.

I was again due to visit him at his today, and - after some agonising on the subject - sent a message during the week that he'd need to give the bathroom a once over first, to which he replied already on the list. And he did clean up, and even made a point of asking me if it was acceptable when I arrived.

Later that afternoon, we were taking it to the bedroom and I made a quick pit stop - only to find massive poo stains down the pan and wee over the seat from a visit he'd made in the meantime. It's hard for me to address these things directly, but I basically came out, said it was a massive passion killer and that I didn't expect to find the toilet like this at his or at mine, and if he wanted bedroom activity he'd need to factor in bathroom activity. He did clean it, apologised (blaming not having his glasses on - he did have his glasses on) and said my views were fair enough. I left soon after without re-initiating any sexual activity.

It's not the mess in itself that bothers me - I'm not a clean freak, and have literally used some of the worst toilets known to man in my time. It's the lack of respect it indicates - especially coming from someone so otherwise clearly intelligent / senior, etc. and not otherwise seemingly unhygienic. And the fact that I'd already pointed this out once before coming round - which is already unattractive enough to have to do towards a grown man. In his shoes I'd personally be dying of embarrassment, not making a mess of things that very same afternoon. Unless he was doing it deliberately to make a point right back to me, but that doesn't seem like him at all.

Either way, whether deliberate or just obliviousness, it's not attractive. I made a vow at the end of my last relationship that I wouldn't tolerate man children / incompetence (whether strategic or otherwise), so maybe I'm overthinking this one - but yeah it's irked me a lot.

Please do tell me if I'm being unreasonable on this one! I wouldn't end things "only" cause of this, but genuinely not sure if I'm just being a massive priss on this. TIA!

OP posts:
samarrange · 05/01/2025 19:00

Sux2buthen · 05/01/2025 18:41

I used to clean an office building full of people, far more women.
Over several months it became very clear (soap replacement, paper towels etc)the only hand washers were men.
Also lots of lovely menstrual stains on the toilet as well as toenail clippings by one particular desk.
In a separate place I cleaned there was a used sanitary towel stuck on the toilet door.
Just saying it's definitely people not just men😂

Many years ago at my work there was a problem in the ladies loo, where someone was taking a shit on top of the toilet lid. 🤢

After this happened a few times, a cleaner was paid to stay on duty all day and check the cubicles after every visit. After a few days the poopetratorâ„¢ was identified. It turned out that she had some kind of grievance against her department's management. Her comment to HR was "They're shitting on me, I'm shitting on them". This was in a government context where it was extraordinarily hard to fire someone. In the end she was eased out under invalidity due to her MH.

JustSawJohnny · 05/01/2025 19:00

Gross, yes, but you've addressed it so I think he may have got the message loud and clear, now!

Not a dumpable offence, IMO (unless it continues to happen).

poemsandwine · 05/01/2025 18:59

I don't think it's passive aggressive. But it's different standards and unless he upped his permanently, it would be over. It's revolting.

FeralWoman · 05/01/2025 18:59

@samarrange Why would his mother need to be the one to teach him to clean a toilet? What about his father? Men can scrub a bowl too.

TwinklySquid · 05/01/2025 18:56

This is the stage he’s meant to wooing you. Best behaviour sort of thing.

If it’s like this now, it won’t get better. It’s exhausting having to tell a grown man how to have basic hygiene standards.

It might be petty but after one maybe two chats, that’s me done .It will be stains this week then if you move it you’ll find the dishes aren’t done or towels left on floor. Every time you’ll keep asking him clean and he will then forget next time. Life is too short!

TomatoSandwiches · 05/01/2025 18:56

Tidbit · 05/01/2025 18:54

As a PP has indicated - he's likely passive aggressive.

He didnt like being 'scolded' by a woman - but doesnt have the ability to have assertive words so deliberately, passively and aggressively got you back by his actions.

I reckon he presents as 'Mr Nice Guy' - but is a closet misogynist.

I expect he has an 'overbearing mother' - who he subconsciously hates so takes out his frustration on other women.

Whats his relationship history?
What were the other things that jarred for you.

End of the day. Dump (no pun intended).

Yes, I wonder if he thought once he passed the initial inspection, enjoyed some intimacy from you and then his PA two fingers up at you would be discovered after he got his.

fetchacloth · 05/01/2025 18:55

That would be a deal breaker for me too.

samarrange · 05/01/2025 18:55

Where does it say anywhere that the BF himself is not clean (body wise)?

Of course he needs to up his game when it comes to cleaning the loo, but if that's the only issue it doesn't mean he's personally massively unhygienic.

He may not have had many (live-in) girlfriends, his DM may never have taught him to clean the loo after himself, he maybe genuinely doesn't realise that a skid mark is a big yuck for most people.

If he's otherwise mostly a keeper then this surely isn't something that can't be fixed with a "Look, I like you but you really need to change this, even if you don't think it's a big deal". In fact his ability to adapt to that could be a good test of the future of the relationship. Kind of like how a company that messes up a delivery but puts it right can be higher-rated that one that has never got it wrong.

FeralWoman · 05/01/2025 18:54

AInightingale · 05/01/2025 18:27

There is such a thing?!

Yes. Enjoy the trip to Reddit. It’s hilarious. Grin

The original post from the original thread was deleted but reposted here:
www.reddit.com/r/MuseumOfReddit/s/9O56RfLoUl

Then head to the original thread where the OP was deleted:
www.reddit.com/r/confession/s/0jxSaQyaev

Tidbit · 05/01/2025 18:54

wobblychicken · 05/01/2025 18:08

Boak here too on reading that.

That's just it though - he's not otherwise unhygienic, not smelly anywhere, no cock cheese, etc. Seems so at odds with his character / cleanliness otherwise.

Such a shame as otherwise seems a very kind, thoughtful and considerate person - and that's hard enough to come across. Some other compatibility questions longer-term have been emerging from my side, but nothing to reproach him with at all - just not necessarily on the same page on some other things. Not a reflection on him.

But I do need a man who's got his shit together (boom boom) and this is really not a good look - however unintentional it might be.

As a PP has indicated - he's likely passive aggressive.

He didnt like being 'scolded' by a woman - but doesnt have the ability to have assertive words so deliberately, passively and aggressively got you back by his actions.

I reckon he presents as 'Mr Nice Guy' - but is a closet misogynist.

I expect he has an 'overbearing mother' - who he subconsciously hates so takes out his frustration on other women.

Whats his relationship history?
What were the other things that jarred for you.

End of the day. Dump (no pun intended).

cocoloco23 · 05/01/2025 18:52

AInightingale · 05/01/2025 18:25

Once went out briefly with this man who passed 'motions' that the toilet couldn't cope with. I daresay there is some Viz-type name for them, but they wouldn't flush, no matter what. So he left them there, in the bottom of the bowl, and seemed to think it more funny than anything else.

Then he would make the effort to break them up with a toilet brush, which he PUT BACK IN THE HOLDER THING in that state. No bleach, no steeping etc.

Some men are just foul and frankly you are better off with a cat.

My cat at least covers her shit up neatly with cat litter!

Mrsgreen100 · 05/01/2025 18:49

Excuse the pun
it’s a slippery slope if it’s this filthy around his own toilet he’s filthy and other areas personally I dump start again oops another pun

wobblychicken · 05/01/2025 18:49

BestestBrownies · 05/01/2025 18:39

Surprised the thread has got 3 pages long without anyone floating (pun fully intended), the possibility that it's intentional?

OP mentioned it and he apparently cleaned the bathroom in honour of her visit, only to filth it up again immediately.

I mean, it could be a kink? If he likes being reprimanded and wants a dominatrix,at least get him to give you place a full deep clean before you dump the (ahem!) dumper

Quite frankly, I'd be impressed with his ability to shit on demand. Especially one that "dirty". I couldn't have clenched that long myself.

OP posts:
Eyerollexpert · 05/01/2025 18:48

Yuk

Katemax82 · 05/01/2025 18:47

My best friend was married to a repulsive pig who often had gruffnuts and wouldn't wash his hands...needless to say the marriage is no more...

rosyvalentine · 05/01/2025 18:46

Hunglikeapolevaulter · 05/01/2025 18:24

I know that this is me being a bit precious but I wouldn't want to shag someone who had been for a massive dump and not had a wash afterwards.

I'm with you on this! 😬

Washingupdone · 05/01/2025 18:45

AInightingale · 05/01/2025 18:25

Once went out briefly with this man who passed 'motions' that the toilet couldn't cope with. I daresay there is some Viz-type name for them, but they wouldn't flush, no matter what. So he left them there, in the bottom of the bowl, and seemed to think it more funny than anything else.

Then he would make the effort to break them up with a toilet brush, which he PUT BACK IN THE HOLDER THING in that state. No bleach, no steeping etc.

Some men are just foul and frankly you are better off with a cat.

This sometimes happens at the beginning of a grandchildren’s week visit. I give them lots of green vegetables and apples cut but with skin on as will as other fresh fruit. After a day things are good and I even overheard siblings saying it didn’t hurt in the toilet.
Worst are day visitors which after they have left ….

PeggyMitchellsCameo · 05/01/2025 18:44

Abort the mission.
Would he do this at a female friend or relative’s house? Probably not.
He is showing you who he is, and who is can’t be bothered.
You have already flagged it, he’s made one attempt to rectify it, and then gone back to being filthy.
It is who is he. Can you imagine going on holiday with him? And this won’t be his only bad habit.
I am really lucky to have a cleaner/s who come via an agency and I am home when they visit. They tell me the professional men they clean for are as bad as the young students.
I am going an extra mile here and say he’s probably had other women cleaning this up after him. He’s not an idiot, he knows it’s unattractive, and he’s testing to see if you will get the Toilet Duck and marigolds out.
You deserve better. Time to flush this turd.

LouisvilleSlugger · 05/01/2025 18:44

Do you really have to ask? I’d have dumped him at the very first sign of skankiness. Several months? What were you thinking?

SnoopysHoose · 05/01/2025 18:43

What is it with grown men pissing on seats and leaving shit stains? I live with DP and adult DS and never experienced this, both the men in my home always put the lid down.
It's disrespectful and rude.

MumWifeOther · 05/01/2025 18:42

cocoloco23 · 05/01/2025 18:10

Yeah, this.

I’m not a clean freak at all, but I had an unpleasant experience with someone I was seeing a few years ago, and it made me sensitive to this kind of thing. The guy I was seeing clearly wasn’t wiping properly because I found really nasty shit stains on my lovely sheets. It really put me off him. If you’re ill, that’s one thing - but don’t get into my clean bed and not even mention stomach issues!!

My current partner is extremely clean and always smells fabulous. That feels like consideration and respect.

Omg. I would honestly vomit.

MooFroo · 05/01/2025 18:42

Nope - it’s a passion and relationship killer!

Sux2buthen · 05/01/2025 18:41

Notrynajudge · 05/01/2025 18:05

Absolutely disgusting. Some men people are just so gross.

I used to clean an office building full of people, far more women.
Over several months it became very clear (soap replacement, paper towels etc)the only hand washers were men.
Also lots of lovely menstrual stains on the toilet as well as toenail clippings by one particular desk.
In a separate place I cleaned there was a used sanitary towel stuck on the toilet door.
Just saying it's definitely people not just men😂

MumWifeOther · 05/01/2025 18:40

wobblychicken · 05/01/2025 17:44

Name changed for this one.

So I've been seeing a new chap for several months - my first relationship since divorcing over three years ago, and with a lot of dead-end online dates in the interim. I.e. quite a big deal for me to have entered into. Lovely chap, very like-minded, considerate high-achieving professional, seems into me, etc. - and the relationship is exclusive.

I need a sense of perspective on this issue - not the only emergent niggle in the relationship, but the most "in your face" (as it were) in recent weeks.

Most of our "sleepover" dates are at mine for various reasons. I've noticed bad toilet hygiene at mine in terms of weeing on the seat / leaving poo stains, which I wasn't overly impressed with, but didn't say anything at the time. Last week I was at his - not the first occasion, but this round time the toilet / bathroom was pretty grim. Not Trainspotter bad or anything - but think piss and pubes caked into the ceramic and bristles / toothpaste residue all over the sink. The rest of his place is cluttered but clean enough.

I was again due to visit him at his today, and - after some agonising on the subject - sent a message during the week that he'd need to give the bathroom a once over first, to which he replied already on the list. And he did clean up, and even made a point of asking me if it was acceptable when I arrived.

Later that afternoon, we were taking it to the bedroom and I made a quick pit stop - only to find massive poo stains down the pan and wee over the seat from a visit he'd made in the meantime. It's hard for me to address these things directly, but I basically came out, said it was a massive passion killer and that I didn't expect to find the toilet like this at his or at mine, and if he wanted bedroom activity he'd need to factor in bathroom activity. He did clean it, apologised (blaming not having his glasses on - he did have his glasses on) and said my views were fair enough. I left soon after without re-initiating any sexual activity.

It's not the mess in itself that bothers me - I'm not a clean freak, and have literally used some of the worst toilets known to man in my time. It's the lack of respect it indicates - especially coming from someone so otherwise clearly intelligent / senior, etc. and not otherwise seemingly unhygienic. And the fact that I'd already pointed this out once before coming round - which is already unattractive enough to have to do towards a grown man. In his shoes I'd personally be dying of embarrassment, not making a mess of things that very same afternoon. Unless he was doing it deliberately to make a point right back to me, but that doesn't seem like him at all.

Either way, whether deliberate or just obliviousness, it's not attractive. I made a vow at the end of my last relationship that I wouldn't tolerate man children / incompetence (whether strategic or otherwise), so maybe I'm overthinking this one - but yeah it's irked me a lot.

Please do tell me if I'm being unreasonable on this one! I wouldn't end things "only" cause of this, but genuinely not sure if I'm just being a massive priss on this. TIA!

I would find this gross but I’m ocd to the point that I will not let my husbands penis near me if he’s done a shit and not had a rinse afterwards. The way I see it, it dangles enough into the toilet to get particles of toilet water and god knows what on it. Certainly not going in my mouth or anywhere else if it’s not washed. Definitely set your standards from now.

LisaD1 · 05/01/2025 18:40

I could not be intimate with someone like that! Grim