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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Rick on October 21, 2002, at 15:27:41
More often than I wish, I’ll enter the stall in the restroom at my office or elsewhere,
and find that that the previous user did not flush away the solids (or even attempt to). I’ve never understood this. Obviously, flushing takes essentially zero effort. Is there some kind of psychology involved here?Does it somehow connote flushing away a part of one’s soul to some people? Is there some relation to doubts about self-worth or longevity or personal substance to the point that the person just can’t bear to “flush part of themselves away”? Or perhaps they feel they’re leaving a symbol of how they feel about themselves? Are some people embarrassed by the flushing noise? Or perhaps just the opposite…it’s an indication of how “everything about me is too good to flush away…and others need to know”? Or perhaps a way of passively (I GUESS it’s passive) expressing anger and frustration by creating an unpleasant experience for others without fear of repercussion? A way to thumb your nose (and make others hold theirs), and get away with it?
I just, just don’t get it. It can’t often be a matter of just forgetting. And it’s obviously not just kids (e.g., there are rarely kids in my office building).
If there is anyone out there who does this (and I’d find it hard to believe there isn’t), can you explain why you won’t flush?
This isn’t an off-topic rant. I really have long wondered what the psychology is here.
Finally, I’m curious as to the extent that women have to deal with this situation. I’d say it happens at least once every 7-10 times I walk into a restroom stall. As you might guess, it just happened a few minutes ago.
Rick
Posted by judy1 on October 21, 2002, at 19:09:33
In reply to Psychology of Not Flushing (CAUTION: unpleasant), posted by Rick on October 21, 2002, at 15:27:41
Thanks for the caution, Rick :-). I have somewhat of a bathroom fetish, if it's not immaculate, I'll leave and search out others. It DOES happen in women's stalls, although I think less often than mens'. (I have gone to unisex gas station restrooms and I would say they are 99% disgusting). I think it's a laziness factor, and perhaps some people are just plain slobs. I had to respond to this because it is one of my pet peeves, and my husband doesn't understand how grossed out I get. I'm curious to see what others say. take care, judy
Posted by kid a on October 21, 2002, at 19:36:22
In reply to Re: Psychology of Not Flushing (CAUTION: unpleasant) » Rick, posted by judy1 on October 21, 2002, at 19:09:33
i;llgo ingot the mens bathr00m and leavx0ers a big d8pm[p in the urnials/ alooong w/ the urnial cakes and all... too busyz to b botherzaaared NAW MEAN ? soyeah.. snow big rpoblemw with the stalls, yaknow.. just like unf pak chooie.. aum, when i can remember you kknow, too much efforet... and im gone, liek see i gotta go pick up my stasha and thatsas whaaaaaaaaaaay to much more work than thsi, so liek dump and goaw?
NAW MEAN?
Posted by Tabßitha on October 22, 2002, at 1:53:44
In reply to Psychology of Not Flushing (CAUTION: unpleasant), posted by Rick on October 21, 2002, at 15:27:41
In my experience this is a rare occurence in women's bathrooms, but come to think of it, the women's toilets are used far more often for #1 than #2, so the chances of being the next customer after a #2 are small to begin with.Here are some possible explanations.
-They've been spoiled by those auto-flush toilets at airports, so they've gotten out of the habit of flushing.
-They don't find their wastes disgusting and are just trying to save water.
-Simple carelessness.
-Unresolved potty-training trauma. Mommy, how could you flush away my gifts? -sob!- I made them just for you! Bad Mommy! Bad!
Posted by Gracie2 on October 23, 2002, at 21:46:59
In reply to Re: Psychology of Not Flushing (CAUTION: unpleasant), posted by Tabßitha on October 22, 2002, at 1:53:44
I'm not a criminologist but I read those type of books. Apparently, it's not at all uncommon for
a burglar to break into a house, trash the place while they're looking for valuables, and then defecate or urinate on a bed or the livingroom couch or rug. This is something akin to a male animal marking his territory and is a "signature"
of the criminal because it is an unnecessary act in the commission of the crime. In fact, accomplished burglars will destroy a home, not specifically for the act of destruction, but because a "smash-and-grab" routine will get them in and out of the house faster - they are aware that every second spent in the residence increases their chances of being caught. So taking time out to leave a pile on the rug is simply their disgusting "calling card", like a dog that must pee on every tree and bush.I have a feeling that leaving feces in a public toilet is somehow related, an "I-was-here, I-exist" sign. I'm pretty sure these guys don't do this at home, and I don't think females in general suffer from this syndrome. We like to leave a mark, too, but not in the toilet.
-Gracie
Posted by Rick on October 24, 2002, at 22:22:33
In reply to Psychology of Not Flushing (CAUTION: unpleasant), posted by Rick on October 21, 2002, at 15:27:41
Posted by ignored on November 6, 2002, at 20:37:21
In reply to Psychology of Not Flushing (CAUTION: unpleasant), posted by Rick on October 21, 2002, at 15:27:41
That's all it is for me.
This is the end of the thread.
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