AIBU to do my make up in the bathroom at work

[GonnaBeYoniThisChristmas]

When I get into work I often spend five mins in the ladies loo doing my make up.

A colleague told me the other day that “some people” feel uncomfortable using the loo when I am “standing around in there”. I think she meant because I am outside the cubicle doors standing at the basin/mirror.

I thought doing your make up at work was no more intrusive than washing your hands!

@GonnaBeYoniThisChristmas

The particles primarily traveled upward and backward toward the wall behind the toilet, but some also moved chaotically in other directions. Once airborne, some particles traveled up to the ceiling, then spread out along the wall and into the room, the researchers noted.

science

I was shocked when my ex MIL once explained her working day. It started on arrival by making breakfast - boiled eggs and toast. Multiple Tea breaks. Lunch at desk. Lunch hour out, shopping etc. Further multiple tea breaks usually interspersed with someone acknowledging a relative's (four times removed) celebration involving more tea and cake. We calculated she worked about 12 hours a week. They also spent a lot of time writing ditties about each other. Plus they managed to 'absorb' a lot of workwear etc.

do it in the car?

@BusterGonad no, it’s none else’s problem. You have a bowel issue. Big deal. If I don’t want to hear noises or are squeamish about people’s toileting then I obviously wouldn’t use a communal bathroom. If people are squeamish themselves about using a toilet and need to use a communal toilet then the key word is communal.

Honestly, I’ve seen, heard and experienced a hell of a lot of poo, wee and many other bodily fluids in my life courtesy of previous job. I’m just thankful I’m with people actually doing it in a toilet in a bathroom, couldn’t give a shiny shit about sights, sounds or smells.

It’s really not a convincing argument to force everyone but such people to use a desk one handed with a single wet wipe (assuming you seem to think this is the gold standard which should even occur in your own home irrespective of a bathroom).

You forgot the toothbrushes!

Way too many people seem unaware of toilet plume! Everybody should put down the lid, for this reason, when there is one.

@HoppingPavlova I'm not forcing anyone to do anything. It is common (not so common) courtesy to think of others but you clearly cannot look further than your own nose. I'm not too sure why you are obsessed with my use of a wet wipe, you will find them on many male up counters etc. Obviously when you apply your make up it's a bit of a shit show that takes a full hand wash every five seconds
I'm very pleased you don't have the pleasure of IBD as it would be a shame for such a lovely person like yourself to suffer.

Do you actually need to wear make-up for work? I wouldn't bother generally, it's much better for your skin.

Your colleague has done you a favour by letting you know. You’re not going to get fired for it but some people will find it a bit unprofessional that you haven’t done that at home, or will resent you that they can’t ‘fully’ use the toilet. I’d do it before getting in if I cared about the impression I made.

Maybe take your phone in to play some music to disguise the shy colleagues’ toilet sounds.

I knew this thread would awaken the makeup puritans 🙄

Unless they are going to drive her to work every shift where she is not outside due to taking public transport to work, they can easily mind their business.

For those who talk about "performance anxiety" if someone is doing their make up in the loo, here's a little tip - flush the loo while performing. Flush it several times, if necessary. If it occurs to anyone to wonder why you're flushing before you've finished, they'll just think the previous person didn't flush.

As for complaining about and blaming OP, she's not at fault here. It is the designer/architect who doesn't understand women's needs and whoever it was in your childhood who told you that women had to 'go' silently. Please put the embarrassment behind you and do what you have to do. Those days of being embarrassed by needing to attend to bodily functions are long gone.

I Google’s it as I was curious.

Studies have shown that particles spread in the air over a 3-metre radius when you flush the toilet. In the majority of public bathrooms, you are not only breathing in poo and wee particles that are not your own, but also sometimes vomit and high levels of mould spores.9 Jan 2024

I mean yuck. Stop doing it if this is true.

Seems totally normal but hopefully before the working day starts.
But as you have already (presumably) walked by many people who have seen your unadorned face why bother? And is it really just five minutes?

Just do your make up at home! What’s next? Washing your armpits at work because you prefer to stay in bed a bit longer over having a shower at work? Touching up your lipstick is ok, but don’t pull out the entire make up bag while others want some privacy to poo.

@BusterGonad I'm very pleased you don't have the pleasure of IBD as it would be a shame for such a lovely person like yourself to suffer

And yet I do. In fact, it was one of a few factors that led to ‘retirement’ from my previous line of work (patient facing) as it wasn’t compatible. I’d suffered mildly for a long time but seemingly menopause caused it to come to the forefront with a vengeance. However, I don’t believe the world revolves around me and IBS. I also couldn’t give a flying Freddy who is in the toilet doing what if I’m stuck in a cubicle ‘unwell’. So what. As I said previously, as long as it’s someone in a cubicle and you ver a toilet everyone is winning ‘on both sides’. Seriously, if you think any of this is gross or embarrassing you need to get some perspective on situations that are really gross. As long as I don’t smell gangrene on either side of the cubicle door, I’m winning. I’ve literally had to treat people while silently throwing up into my mouth. Couldn’t give a shiny shit if you, I or Ronald McDonald is in a loo cubicle with farts and the shits.

It’s a public bathroom! How can you expect privacy in a public bathroom? If someone needs privacy so bad, perhaps they should only go at home.

@HoppingPavlova oh dear, I'm afraid to tell you that IBD and IBS are completely different things. One is a syndrome and one is an actual disease that can cause huge destruction to the body. IBD causes damage that only you can imagine. IBS is merely a syndrome that causes uncomfortable feelings and an upset tummy. IBD can have you fighting for your life, the other can have you resting up in bed with a hot water bottle and the shits. Once again I'll say you are ignorant and need to think of others.

BUT like I said it is up to you what you do and don't do. Carry on with your make up routine in the toilets, what ever makes you happy. I, personally like to think of others, and try to adjust my behaviour so others are comfortable.

If you have been told by work that it is making people uncomfortable then you need to stop. Doesn’t matter why.

The ladies at work backs onto the kitchen area. I sing loudly when I know someone is in this area. I hate going when people I know can hear! Your make up routine would result in me singing, out of tune, while I was in the ladies! 🤣

I hate it if someone is standing there while I go to the toilet. It’s rude and embarrassing

With my IBS?! Please leave quickly, embarrassing enough!!!

Very good point.

We spent so long teaching toddlers how to use a toilet - any appropriate/designated toilet - and then, as soon as they're a little older, we're apparently supposed to tell the boys to keep on just as they were, but the girls that they can only poo at home, otherwise they're gross and shameful.

Not being funny but now I'm a 'certain age' I have a bit of IBS and will need an emergency morning poo some days 🤷‍♀️ not pleasant. I obviously couldn't do that if someone was doing their makeup for ages listening in.