Reading on Toilet?

[*KeepMovingForward*]

Well, I'm the op, seems I'm outnumbered! Most people consider it "normal" to read while on the pot!

I grew up in a house with one bathroom so learned from the time we were children not to take a long time in there, its just inconsiderate. But what bugs me most about dh's sitting in there half the night is not so much the time he takes (we have 4 toilets!) but that he doesn't flush until he's ready to come out! I mean, it builds up in there! Good thing we don't smoke, an open flame would be a hazard with all the gas buildup

My kids are also developing the habit, but taking it high-tech. Instead of reading matter they take their nintendos and laptops in there. We have yet to develop the habit of taking a phone in there! My dh recently conducted a phone interview, the guy on the other end was clearly on the pot, dh could hear him flush (well, at least he flushes!)

I'm in the minority with you too...although DH is a bathroom reader and at nearly 70, he is not going to change, so I have learned to accept it. It doesn't really bother me unless he goes in there while we have company and insists on reading the equivalent of War and Peace. After about a 1/2 hour of being in there though, I do go knock on the door and ask him if everythings okay. I tell him that one day he will truly cr*p out in there. I don't get it myself, but to each his own...I always thought that you either have to go or you don't. I guess some folks do have medical issues and for others it is a comfort thing. For me and the kids though, we get in, do our business and get the heck out. And yes, OP...we have concerns about gas build up too...many a time we have said that if anyone lights a match (or the stove), we are all goners.

 

[me again]

Come to think of it, isn't that how Elvis went? He crapped out on the toilet? If I recall right, he was found either on the pot or on the floor next to it. Seems he had a stroke, probably brought on by straining due to constipation due to excessive drug usage. Or I could be wrong, I'm sure someone will correct me on this one, but it is of concern when someone goes in there and forgets to come out!

At least flush it in a timely manner, don't wait until you're done sitting to flush, maybe the potty-user gets used to the stink but others who follow don't appreciate it. Also, I can't stand dh's habit when we travel and just have one bathroom in a hotel room. Not only does he tie up the one bathroom, he stinks it up (hmmm, maybe plans for a second honeymoon for our 25th anniversary don't seem as appealing now!). I've taken to either getting two connecting rooms or a condo with 2 bathrooms when we travel, especially with the kids and everyone used to taking as long as they please.

 

[me again]

Ok, maybe I'm going against the grain with this, too, if so I'm sure you'll let me know!

I refuse to answer my cell phone if in a public restroom. That's what I have voice mail for. If its that important they will leave a message, if not it wasn't worth interrupting my "business" for

Besides, it kinds cramps one's style, trying to have a dignified conversation with toilet sounds in the background.

 

[Mono~rail]

The OP of this thread would seriously wig out if she saw my bathroom. I set up a desk out of a tv tray table in front of the toilet. I work sudokus, logic puzzles, read the Enquirer, Star People magazine, or a good juicy novel. In a pinch, I've been known to read the phone book.

 

[Mono~rail]

At least flush it in a timely manner, don't wait until you're done sitting to flush, maybe the potty-user gets used to the stink but others who follow don't appreciate it.

Ahhh, yes. The courtesy flush is an art form that must be mastered by everyone. Know it! Learn it! Use it!

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

Also, I can't stand dh's habit when we travel and just have one bathroom in a hotel room. Not only does he tie up the one bathroom, he stinks it up (hmmm, maybe plans for a second honeymoon for our 25th anniversary don't seem as appealing now!). I've taken to either getting two connecting rooms or a condo with 2 bathrooms when we travel, especially with the kids and everyone used to taking as long as they please.

AIRWICK and GLADE...I swear I have stock in these two. You cannot go more than 20ft in my house without finding a can. My BIL tells my DH that if we come to visit them, he is going to build an outhouse for DH. LOL! I also ALWAYS pack a can when we go on vacation or even when we go away overnight. I would never survive without it. I feel your pain.

 

[Mkrop]

We are all readers in this house. Grew up in a house of readers too with only one bathroom for 5 of us. We managed just fine! I just cant go on demand, I go in some might happen then I wait and read to make sure all is complete.

DH and I left the UOG when planning our last trip in the one room where we could both read it and then we also did not feel overwhlemed by reading it all at once. A page here an there and we were good. I dont think I will let the kids go high tech in there though, we need to encourage our kids to read

 

[vicki845]

It's the only place where I get anytime to myself. I don't do it when I'm in a public bathroom. Only at home. Funny thing my family never read in the bathroom, either does dh. I'm not sure how I started. I think it was when I had my children. I would go in there, do what I needed to do and then start reading. Usually first thing in the morning while they are still sleeping. They are very light sleepers and early risers. Do I need to take 15-20 to go to the bathroom? No, I don't but it's the only time I have to myself.

 

[CEDmom]

Growing up my mom said the bathroom the the only place she could get any piece and quiet and enjoy her Good Housekeeping Magazine . I didn't really understand the need until I became a mom myself .

 

[ellyn2000]

"the courtesy flush" So that's what it's called?!

 

[ptcruisermom]

Readers here too. Kids do the gameboy thingy too, no phones so far though. Laptop has been in there a time or two. I have some intestinal problems so like others have said it helps to pass the time.

 

[me again]

Ah, but dh has been know to sit in there for an hour or more! Without a courtesy flush!

On our last vacation I took along travel-size bottles of Oust. I'd periodically open the door while dh was reading away and spray him down! Once I just went in there and flushed it while he was sitting on it. How romantic--think I might pass on the second honeymoon! Honestly, I think he needs more fiber................

Hey, just noticed--I got tagged! And all because of a toilet thread!

 

[me again]

Well, its starting to seem like I have some rather odd (or at least not popularly shared) ideas about toilet usage.

Here's another of my "rules" (which nobody in my family follows)--you shouldn't come out of the bathroom until the toilet is through flushing. I mean, its just gross to walk out with a flushing toilet in the background, it makes the rest of us somehow a part of your "experience". Oh, and run the water while peeing so no one hears you. Well, most ladies do so, guys just go like a horse and could care less who hears them (or smells them!)

 

[doxdogy]

And here all along I thought I was odd for reading the phone book. Glad to hear I am not the only that does it in a pinch. DH doesn't read in the bathroom. I have always read in the bathroom. Helps to pass the time, while you are waiting to pass something else.

The OP of this thread would seriously wig out if she saw my bathroom. I set up a desk out of a tv tray table in front of the toilet. I work sudokus, logic puzzles, read the Enquirer, Star People magazine, or a good juicy novel. In a pinch, I've been known to read the phone book.

 

[DisneyAprilFool]

Um, when I was a kid- I'd read anything and everything in the bathroom. Labels on shampoos, conditioners, hair spray, etc. Don't know why- I always had to be reading something while using the bathroom.

You should look at it this way- at least you're raising literate children!

 

[Mono~rail]

Ah, but dh has been know to sit in there for an hour or more! Without a courtesy flush!

I'll agree with you that is gross!

*I like my new tag!

 

[MichelleVW]

Well, its starting to seem like I have some rather odd (or at least not popularly shared) ideas about toilet usage.

Here's another of my "rules" (which nobody in my family follows)--you shouldn't come out of the bathroom until the toilet is through flushing. I mean, its just gross to walk out with a flushing toilet in the background, it makes the rest of us somehow a part of your "experience". Oh, and run the water while peeing so no one hears you. Well, most ladies do so, guys just go like a horse and could care less who hears them (or smells them!)

I'm flushing and leaving..too bad if someone hears the flush. You want people to run the water so no one hears the pee?? How do you handle public bathrooms??

 

[autumnbaby9]

Well, its starting to seem like I have some rather odd (or at least not popularly shared) ideas about toilet usage.

Here's another of my "rules" (which nobody in my family follows)--you shouldn't come out of the bathroom until the toilet is through flushing. I mean, its just gross to walk out with a flushing toilet in the background, it makes the rest of us somehow a part of your "experience". Oh, and run the water while peeing so no one hears you. Well, most ladies do so, guys just go like a horse and could care less who hears them (or smells them!)

What?

How is it gross to walk out of a bathroom before the tolet has finished flushing. Its not like the germs are going to jump out of the toilet if you open the door before it is done flushing.

Why do you care if you hear them pee? Their pee can't sound any different than your pee does. I have never heard of running the water so no one can hear you and I would laugh in your face if you told me to do so. The only reason to run water IMO is so you can get started with the job not sound it out.

Everyone knows what goes on in a bathroom you shouldn't have to be sheltered from it.

 

[jamesmommy]

Um, when I was a kid- I'd read anything and everything in the bathroom. Labels on shampoos, conditioners, hair spray, etc. Don't know why- I always had to be reading something while using the bathroom.

Me too, I could probably tell you the ingredients of any number of bathroom products. I must admit, we also have an electronic Yahtzee game in there.

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

Well, its starting to seem like I have some rather odd (or at least not popularly shared) ideas about toilet usage.

Here's another of my "rules" (which nobody in my family follows)--you shouldn't come out of the bathroom until the toilet is through flushing. I mean, its just gross to walk out with a flushing toilet in the background, it makes the rest of us somehow a part of your "experience". Oh, and run the water while peeing so no one hears you. Well, most ladies do so, guys just go like a horse and could care less who hears them (or smells them!)

I've never run water while in the bathroom (or rather, when going to the bathroom). I suppose some folks might though. I always figured that we all have to do it...we all hear it several times a day...nothing undignified or gross IMO. I guess we all probably have something that we do that another person may find pretty out there...so if you must, then run that water. If my DH or kids do this though...they will get top honors of paying the pricey water bill when it comes in.