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Great Debate: Phones in the potty?

The bathroom should be a private space — even if it’s a public restroom


By Catherine E. Toth on December 13, 2011

The other day I was in the restroom at a restaurant and heard the woman in the next stall talking.

And not to me.

She was, I figured out, talking on her cell phone.

It was such a strange experience — even for me as an innocent participant in this. I mean, I didn’t want to flush for fear of “outing” this woman, who was casually chatting on her iPhone like she was lounging in her living room.

I’ll admit: I’ve walked into the bathroom still on the phone. But I wouldn’t go into full restroom action with someone on the other end listening. That’s just rude — and gross.

But why? We don’t seem to mind people talking in restrooms. Why is it different if that conversation is taking place on a mobile device?

Probably because we suspect the person on the other end doesn’t know where the caller is — or what those strange sounds are. And we feel awkward, not just for us, but for that unsuspecting person on the line.

The bathroom should be a private space — even if it’s a public restroom. I’m not going to subject others to my bathroom antics — and neither should you.

What do you think?

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To read all of Cat's blogs, visit www.nonstophonolulu.com/thedailydish. Follow Cat on Twitter @thedailydish or send her an e-mail at cat@nonstophonolulu.com.

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turkfontaine 189 pts

better listen to Dr. Toilet. she's an expert in comode communications, see her archive.

johngarcia 171 pts moderator

haha! I'm a fan of tweeting while peeing... talking in the bathroom, though, unless I'm at home — I don't do it.

nonstopmari 189 pts moderator

i do this at home all the time (put phone on mute if it's not my sister), but in public? omg no! it's an invasion of other ppl's privacy.

CAPSUN 27 pts

Oops, I'm totally guilty of this. To my credit, I'll make phone calls, but I usually only do it if the bathroom is empty. As soon as someone comes in, I say I have to go. BTW, my Mom knows I talk to her in the bathroom. I don't even warn her before I flush. :)

Cat 129 pts

CAPSUN You won't even warn her? Mean!

CAPSUN 27 pts

Cat Well, if I'm being honest, I learned that trick from my Mom. True story.

About Catherine E. Toth

Born and raised on O'ahu, Catherine E. Toth has been chronicling her adventures in her blog, The Daily Dish (www.thecatdish.com), for four years. She worked as a newspaper reporter in Hawai'i for 10 years and continues to freelance — in between teaching journalism full time at Kapi'olani Community College, hitting the surf and eating everything in sight — for national and local print and online publications.

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