The Simplicity of Port-a-Potty Etiquette
We have, all, had experiences where someone was rude to us and seemed oblivious to their lack of accountability or courtesy. It happens. Even those who use port-a-potties can be unaware of their lack of concern for others who wish to use the facilities, as well. Port-a-potty etiquette is worth mentioning since you will, probably, come across someone who 'just doesn't get it' when it comes to social graces at an outdoor gathering.
Using common courtesy, when using a port-a-potty, is a simple concept and ends up being much appreciated by others. But...
Don't Be Surprised If: Someone Cuts in Front of You!
Unfortunately, some outdoor event planners don't provide enough port-a-potty units to efficiently cater to the number of attendees. This is why it is very important to take a variety of determiners into account when assessing how many port-a-potties would be needed for an event ? whether a concert, farmers' market, ethnic festival, etc. one must include other factors besides the estimated number of attendees to determine how many port-a-potties would be required.
With having to wait in line, comes those who choose to cut in front of others ? a definite etiquette breaker! Waiting is part of life ? whether at a bank, a grocery store, or the DMV to get a driver's license renewed. Waiting in line to use a port-a-potty is no exception. Etiquette Rule #1 ? Wait, patiently, for your turn.
Someone Takes Forever!
Port-a-potties are not, typically, locations where one would wish to spend a prolonged period of time. For some, though, it can be a great place to text a friend, put on make-up, psychoanalyze a broken relationship ? you get the idea! A port-a-potty isn't an easy chair for texting; it isn't a make-up vanity, and it isn't a marriage counselor's office ? it's for doing 'one's business', plain and simple.
When some port-a-potty users spend an overabundance of time inside the unit, one has to wonder: What in the world are they DOING in there? The user is, either, completely unaware that others have an immediate need, or they don't care ? not cool! Etiquette Rule #2 ? Exit the port-a-potty ASAP. After all, what is going on outside of the port-a-potty is a lot more exciting than what is going on within the port-a-potty!
Someone Marks Up the Walls!
What is it about restrooms that brings out the inner child in some of us? As youngsters, when our teacher handed us a piece of paper to draw or write about something, that was cool. Writing or drawing on the inside walls of a port-a-potty is not! Everything from phone numbers to obscenities to X-rated artwork can adorn the inside of bathroom walls. It, certainly, indicates a lack of respect for not only the port-a-potty supplier but other people who will be using the facility, as well. This type of visual 'pollution' and defacement is juvenile and unacceptable. Etiquette Rule #3 ? Keep the port-a-potty walls art-free!
Someone Slams the Door in Front of You!
Have you ever walked into a store and a total stranger chose to hold the door for you ? even while it was rainy or wintery outside? That kind of gesture is not only thoughtful, but it could qualify as a random-act-of-kindness. There are some individuals, though, who might rumble out of a port-a-potty and slam the door shut even if another user is right there waiting to use the facility. Let's face it, some people want their feelings to be known in very overt ways. Etiquette Rule #4 ? Hold the door for the next person.
Someone Doesn't Clean Up After Themselves!
Some people don't put paper towels in bathroom trash bins; some people don't turn off bathroom faucets, and some people don't clean up after themselves on the toilet. It is hard to believe that some adults don't utilize basic bathroom etiquette ? it's just the way it is.
It should be unthinkable, for anyone, to leave poo or pee on a toilet seat for others to view, but some people do just that ? UGH! Some portable restrooms have flushing commodes and ? yes, you guessed it ? people will leave the toilets unflushed. In a perfect world of port-a-potty etiquette, everyone who might leave a visible sign on the toilet seat, would use clean toilet paper to remove as much of the mess, as possible, and flush the toilets ? but, a perfect world it is not. Etiquette Rule #5 ? Keep the toilet seat clean and, always, flush.
After it's all said and done, aren't you glad you're not guilty of these port-a-potty etiquette no-nos? Because of you and others who take the time and effort to keep port-a-potty etiquette alive, we would like to say, Thank you!