I work on the third floor of an office building. There are only two offices up there, and right now one of them is empty. In the office where I work there are three women. This means that the restroom on our floor is used only by us, which is quite nice.
Furthermore, someone has to answer the phones, so the likelihood that two of us will ever be in the little girls room at the same time is slim to none, making this bathroom extremely private.
In this facility of ours, there is a light over by the stalls, above the mirror. There is also a light switch right as you come in the door, next to the paper towels, which lights up the entry area of the bathroom. For some inexplicable reason, the entry light is always turned off. You can still see in the bathroom if this light is off, but I like to turn it on, just because I can. I often flip the switch as I leave the restroom, sometimes lingering to watch it turn on, because it lights up really gradually, almost so you don't notice, and I like that. (I like weird things, ok?)
Today, I had to make a trip to the first floor of our building to get the mail. (Usually the mail man brings it up to us, but sometimes we have a substitute mail man who doesn't know to treat us special.) So I walked down the stairs to the first floor, and as I got there, I realized I had to use the loo.
Directly across from the mailboxes, there is such a place, so I walked right in. It looks identical to the one I'm used to upstairs, including the light over the stalls, with an additional light switch by the door. I noted this as I entered, and decided to flick it on as I left.
However, the smell in this first floor ladies' room was quite pungent, and almost overpowering, making me regret the decision to enter the realm of an actual public restroom, instead of my private one on the top floor.
The culprit was still in the stall, and we finished up and washed our hands at the same time. When I got a look at her, I felt bad for her, because it's embarrassing to be in that situation, and to boot, she was quite overweight and just looked like maybe her self esteem isn't quite up there.
We didn't exchange any words, though I did smile at her. Then, as we were both exiting the bathroom, as I had planned, I flicked on the light. I even thought, "Maybe she'll notice how long it takes too, and like it." (Because I assume other people like weird stuff like I do.)
However, to my horror, the light in this particular restroom also turns on a fan. I didn't know what to do, so I just kept walking, but I feel so guilty. I flicked it on with such authority that I'm sure she thought I knew what I was doing and felt embarrassed for stinking up the bathroom.
Part of me wanted to go back and say something, but I didn't. What is a girl to do in such a predicament?
14 comments:
hahaha o my goodness erin. you're wonderful. :)
That is amazing!
Also, I don't really understand why you turn on the light as you are leaving?
That is so funny!!! You already felt rude, so you should have topped it off by plugging your nose and shaking your head at her in a disappointing way.
The light is really cool. When you flick it on, it stays dark for a minute, and then it gets light really gradually. So if you stand there and wait for it, you kind of don't even notice that it's getting lighter . . does that make sense? It's cool.
The way the light turns on makes sense, but I still don't understand why you turn it on as you are leaving. Does that make sense or am I an idiot? Either way, the story is hilarious.
I just like to turn it on because it's off. And why I do it as I'm leaving really doesn't make sense, that's just what I always do.
I think because if I'm entering the bathroom, it's sort of urgent, and I don't want to linger and watch it. But if I'm exiting, I've already been relieved so I can stand there and watch it.
Also, I agree with Andrea. Is there some sort of double-lighting going on because how can you see in the bathroom if the light isn't on?
Oh my gosh. How sad for her. I liked Yolanda's addition thought, but I don't think you should have done that.
Man, I really didn't explain that well. In the bathroom, there is a light over by the stalls, over the mirror.
But there is another light switch, next to the door, that turns on a light over the door.
That's it, I'm editing the post.
Hopefully now it makes more sense.
oh boy. that is really funny... it was all innocent though, so you shouldn't feel TOO bad... good story.
hahahaha! :) Quality.
girlfriend. I have IS-SUES with public restrooms. Sounds like you are lucky to have the nice upstairs bathroom.
As for the light/fan thing. Serves her right.
Going #2 in a public restroom is just one of my many issues.
the same thing happened to me but instead of smiling at the lady, i just plugged my nose and politely said "ah SICK! who ate the bean and cheese burrito this morning??"
haha TOTALLY kidding!
this post was awesome. i love your blog erin. and in response to your comment, your blog does not have a defect by only writing about the little things...the little things are always the most interesting and funny! keep at it!
(but that doesn't mean i wouldn't love to see pictures from char's wedding!)
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