How to Handle an Accidental Bathroom Encounter
You've happened into the sum of all fears. Follow these tips to ensure you don't make a bad situation worse.
Up next in Mortifying Moments (12 videos)
OMG, you did NOT just do that! Well, here's how to deal with it.
You Will Need
- Quick thinking
- Tact
Steps
-
Step 1
Don't panic
Your worst enemy is fear-induced paralysis. If you're the one whose privacy has just been mercilessly trampled upon, cover thyself.
-
Step 2
Act promptly
If you're the careless intruder, leave immediately; the other party has nowhere to go.
-
Close the door as you scurry away. There are few things worse than compounding a walk-in with a door left ajar.
-
Step 3
Secure the area
Find your own stall, lock the door to avoid a retaliatory attack, and do your business. Before exiting, take a few deep breaths, and prepare to pretend like nothing happened.
-
Step 4
Avoid contact
Avoid all contact with each other. Resist the urge to apologize or make light of the situation, as this will only make things worse. Remember: The encounter never occurred.
-
Step 5
Learn your lesson
Learn your lesson. Before entering any bathroom, knock forcefully and take a moment to listen before you proceed. If someone knocks on your stall, shout back firmly, "Occupied!" Anything less could leave you in the hot seat.
-
A study found that 37 percent of people close the bathroom door even when they're home alone.
