Potty Phoners and Pageturners

A while back I suggested that books be shrunken down to a smaller, bathroom-friendly size. But now, I'm not so sure if that's a good idea.

Last week at the office, I was walking by the restrooms as someone came out of the women's bathroom, complete with a book and her glasses in her hands. And it kind of freaked me out. There've also been occasions when I've heard people on cell phones while on the can (lots of times), and heard the rustling of newspapers too.

I realize that people read in the bathroom. I read in the bathroom - but traditionally, only at home. Public bathrooms to me aren't places to really hang out and relax; the environs are sterile, cold, and there aren't any bidets. At home, there's no pressure. (Well. Maybe some pressure.) But at the office, especially, seems a bit rude. Or at least, uncooth.

And talking on a cell phone in the john just seems weird. That's why it's my standard policy to make bathroom noises as much as possible whenever I hear someone on his cell phone in a stall. After all, it's a bathroom.

If only there were places where people could make phone calls and read books... we wouldn't need this type of behavior.