I Could Do Without...

Extended version of my comment to this blog, that was about having a goal when going into a bathroom.

 

 

 

I'd prefer that it not be a place to meet new people or carry on conversations, especially if there is a partition of some kind between the participants.

 

"Hey you in the next stall, do I know you?" I could go without ever being asked that question again. If you have to ask, then don't. I've also learned that a person that is comfortable asking such a question will not understand that the resulting silence is a cue that the other party does not wish to participate. He will likely assume that the other side must not have been able to hear him and will repeat the question, only louder. You are presented with two options, get it over with and respond (be warned, he is armed with many more questions; "Where do you work?", "How long have you worked here?", Etc.) or maintain radio silence and hope he finally gets the message.

 

Remaining silent has it's own pitfalls. Can you make it out of there before he can, avoiding an awkward confrontation at the sink? If you plan to wait and let him leave first, what if he's just waiting for you to leave first? (make sure to slide your feet away from his side so he can't try to match your shoes to your face).