Urinal Etiquette 101 [Things Every College Student Should Know Part II]

I think there are a lot of things that the school doesn’t teach that it should.  As a boy growing up in this world, I realized that I didn’t know how to tie my shoes, which relatives were the ones to mooch off from, among lots of other things.  Although I haven’t seen violations in the North, traveling through the Midwest and living in the South, I see that not a lot of people know about urinal etiquette.  And for girls who read this, I suggest that you read this if you want a son someday who will avoid awkward moments.

Urinals strike a balance of privacy and efficiency.  However, misusing them would definitely compromise the privacy part of the equation.

Rule 1: Two urinals don’t necessarily mean that you can take the other one.
Especially when there are no barriers.  Exception to this rule occurs when there’s a large crowd in the bathroom.  This is a big awkward no-no.  What if someone is using the one of the urinals?  The strategy is either to use a toilet as a urinal or to wait a little bit at the sink, washing your hand, fixing your hair, etc.

Rule 2: Start from the sides
If all the urinals are empty in a 3+ urinal situation, start taking them from the sides.

Rule 3: If both end urinals are taken, use the middle stalls.
The key is to minimize the number of the neighbors.

Rule 4: At least pretend to wash your hands on the way out.
Just because… you know – it’s awkward when you see the other person at an important meeting when you shake their hands that may have dried up urine on them.

Rule 5: Basic privacy, please.
No talking (even to yourself), keep your hands to yourself, etc.  Looking should be limited to what’s directly ahead of you.  Up, down, etc, whatever.

Rule 6: Flush.
Simple as that.

Rule 7: Be on target.
It’s the nastiest feeling walking out of the bathroom with sticky shoes.

The following are good resources on the net for men’s room etiquette! =]  Try the quiz.
- The Test!

- The rules, explained more.