[7DeadlySins]

Ok, first off I guess I should say that I have OCD and am terrified of germs. Well, over the past three years I have trained myself to absolutely NOT use a public bathroom. I somehow managed to use them when I was younger, but know I look back and think, 'How in the world did I do that?!' Anyway, recently I have been thinking about the fact that I am going to be starting college soon. Not only that, but I'm also going to be getting a job as well. Sooner or later I know I'm going to have to face the dreaded public toilet Dx

My question is: How do you do it? I'm sorry if it sounds like a really weird question but I need some advice.

By the way, I'm a girl so female responses will be more sufficient xD lol

Thanks!~

[lynn P.]

I don't have a phobia of public washrooms but I don't like them lol. First I open the door if its a push one with my elbow or body or pull my sleeve down over my hand. The same procedure once I'm in the stall. If the toilets gross I hover lol over the seat - you need strong legs for that or use toilet paper placed on the seat. I flush with my shoe.

At the sink I wash and if it's not an automatic water shut off....I leave it running until I dry my hands and use the napkin to shut off the water and to open the door or the elbow trick again.

I don't know if it helps knowing, we need a certain amount of germs to boost our immune system. It's also not good for your body to hold off to go to the bathroom. Now that I read my post, I kinda sound paranoid, don't I?

[7DeadlySins]

Originally Posted by lynn P.

I don't have a phobia of public washrooms but I don't like them lol. First I open the door if its a push one with my elbow or body or pull my sleeve down over my hand. The same procedure once I'm in the stall. If the toilets gross I hover lol over the seat - you need strong legs for that or use toilet paper placed on the seat. I flush with my shoe.

At the sink I wash and if it's not an automatic water shut off....I leave it running until I dry my hands and use the napkin to shut off the water and to open the door or the elbow trick again.

I don't know if it helps knowing, we need a certain amount of germs to boost our immune system. It's also not good for your body to hold off to go to the bathroom. Now that I read my post, I kinda sound paranoid, don't I?

This actually really helped Thanks!~ I know that I use to hover when I was younger, but now I just think, 'What would you do if you slipped and you feel down on the toilet?! O.O' The thought alone is scary enough lol. When I do have to wash my hands in public I do the same method as the one you stated. I also remember flushing with my foot. I don't ever recall putting toilet paper down; I always hovered. I was too afraid that my hand might accidentally slip and touch the bare toilet seat I guess the only real solution is to get in there and try xD lol. I'm just so afraid though! >.< I come home a lot running to the bathroom from holding it so long. I know it's not good for my health, but my public restroom phobia always seems to get the best of me. I have a feeling if I can just manage that first time, it will be easier from then on. The only problem is actually getting through the first attempt!

[sundog]

Great tips from Lynn!! I always hover too, and I always cover my hand with a paper towel or toilet paper when I touch the flush or open the door etc. I also never use those air blower things to dry my hands because apparently they spread bacteria all over the place.....Hand sanitizer is my best friend!!!

I have another issue with public restrooms though and that has to do with my claustrophobia. I can handle the stall variety, but I loathe the type of restroom where it's just one room with no windows. I find it almost impossible to use those unless they have a lock with a bolt that I can slide across. I hate those locks that you have to turn and or the ones that you push in. I'm always afraid they will break and I'll get locked in for hours. So I don't lock the door. Typically I will ask someone to stand outside to make sure no one comes in. Otherwise I'll do the fastest pee possible. Or I'll just hold it and try and find another restroom!!

The other thing that occurs to me is that you could buy some disposable latex gloves (the thin ones that people use in hospital). And you could use those gloves when you use the restroom. Now I don't know if I'm "enabling" you by suggesting that though!!!

Anyhow, I just wanted to say that I do understand!! And I wish you good luck!

[7DeadlySins]

Originally Posted by sundog

Great tips from Lynn!! I always hover too, and I always cover my hand with a paper towel or toilet paper when I touch the flush or open the door etc. I also never use those air blower things to dry my hands because apparently they spread bacteria all over the place.....Hand sanitizer is my best friend!!!

I have another issue with public restrooms though and that has to do with my claustrophobia. I can handle the stall variety, but I loathe the type of restroom where it's just one room with no windows. I find it almost impossible to use those unless they have a lock with a bolt that I can slide across. I hate those locks that you have to turn and or the ones that you push in. I'm always afraid they will break and I'll get locked in for hours. So I don't lock the door. Typically I will ask someone to stand outside to make sure no one comes in. Otherwise I'll do the fastest pee possible. Or I'll just hold it and try and find another restroom!!

The other thing that occurs to me is that you could buy some disposable latex gloves (the thin ones that people use in hospital). And you could use those gloves when you use the restroom. Now I don't know if I'm "enabling" you by suggesting that though!!!

Anyhow, I just wanted to say that I do understand!! And I wish you good luck!

xD lol thanks for the advice on the latex gloves! I've never thought of that! You saying that reminded me of this product I saw on the internet one day. I was researching ways on how to safely use a public restroom and came across this Russian product (at least I think it was Russian...I don't remember lol). Anyway, it was basically a cup that is made for females to use the bathroom. They place it over their private area and the urine travels down a tube that leaks into the toilet. It's basically a personal penis for a female lol. It allows women to use the bathroom without having to actually sit on the toilet. I was looking around and thought, 'Wow! That would really come in handy!' They are disposable of course. I wish I could remember the name of them...Anyway, I thought that was pretty funny/cool!

[sundog]

Originally Posted by FullMetal Shorty

xD lol thanks for the advice on the latex gloves! I've never thought of that! You saying that reminded me of this product I saw on the internet one day. I was researching ways on how to safely use a public restroom and came across this Russian product (at least I think it was Russian...I don't remember lol). Anyway, it was basically a cup that is made for females to use the bathroom. They place it over their private area and the urine travels down a tube that leaks into the toilet. It's basically a personal penis for a female lol. It allows women to use the bathroom without having to actually sit on the toilet. I was looking around and thought, 'Wow! That would really come in handy!' They are disposable of course. I wish I could remember the name of them...Anyway, I thought that was pretty funny/cool!

Hehe!!! I guess not wanting to use female restrooms must be quite common then if people are inventing these contraptions!!! Thanks for sharing that!! I'm off to google it now!!

Hi FullMetalShorty - while not as bad as you, i am pretty skeeved by public restrooms and will do my best not to use them. just to echo the advice from the others here

Always flush with your foot.
Never sit down -Always hover but you might want to put some paper or one of those seat covers on the seat just in case you lose your balance.

Use a paper towel to turn the faucet on and off and to open the door to leave the restroom.

People have a tendency to use the stalls furthest away from the door, so there may be a few less germs in the ones closest to the door.

I always try to find the ones in nicer places - like the nicer the store, the nicer the restroom - the further out of the way the restroom is, the less it is used, therefore, cleaner.

Good luck!

[7DeadlySins]

Originally Posted by sundog

Hehe!!! I guess not wanting to use female restrooms must be quite common then if people are inventing these contraptions!!! Thanks for sharing that!! I'm off to google it now!!

xD lol Please let me know if you find anything that is available in the US! That would be very helpful!

[Sabrina]

I do the same as Lynn. I also have disposable toilet seat covers which are placed on the toilet seat. They have been very helpful if you can find some.

[Can't Stop Crying]

Same thing here...avoid them whenever possible, but if I can't help it, I follow pretty much the same things as Lynn P and then have hand sanitizer for when I actually leave the rest room.

Kinda funny story here, hope it's okay to share...when I was potty training my oldest, he refused to use public toilets, I spent about a year driving around with a potty chair in the trunk of my car, I guess it was better than him having an accident!

[puddles120710]

I do not have a phobia of germs; however, I don't like public bathrooms either. They are discusting in some businesses. When I enter a bathroom, I check out the cleanliness first. If the sink is fairly clean, the floors are fairly clean, and the garbage mostly taken out I will continue to the stall. Before I enter I look at the toilet (is it flushed, anything on the lid, anything disgusting on the sides) then the amount of toilet paper in the stall. If they are ok, I will use it. I have walked out of businesses before becaus of the condition of the bathrooms even in college and at work. The thing about work and college is that there are always janitors around that are cleaning up messes. These bathrooms should be in better condition than a grocery store (which I have found to be the most disgusting). Some businesses also have toilet seat covers that you can use. I have also seen where people place toilet paper over the seat to protect themselves better. I hope this tips are useful.

[lynn P.]

Anyway, it was basically a cup that is made for females to use the bathroom. They place it over their private area and the urine travels down a tube that leaks into the toilet.

LOL yes I have heard of those and basically they're for women who are on long distance car rides and not near a service station. I wonder if they're disposable or plastic, to be emptied and used again. If it's the latter - this would create another problem of - you would have to rinse it and then where do you store it for next time...yikes....another germophobic nightmare lol. You wouldn't want to put it in your back pack lol.

[Nola22]

Whew--it feels good to know I'm not the only one who dreads having to use public facilities in many cases. I'm not phobic, just not enamored with the experience. I've really enjoyed reading this thread, believe it or not, and I deal with the inevitability of the public restroom in a similar manner to many of you.

My means of coping is a mental map or list of the best, cleanest bathrooms, at least those that appear that way on a regular basis. At one job, the women's room by a particular office in the complex was inexplicably disgusting--I avoided that one like the plague unless things had reached emergency proportions. Conversely, at school, the best bathroom of all was tucked away on the first floor, in the back of the building, near the classrooms used by the smallest academic department. They were wonderfully private too--so little traffic. On a larger scale, in whatever city I live at any given time, I know where the decent public restrooms are as well. Museums are always a good bet, and many have bathrooms in the lobby before you reach the point where you have to pay or offer a donation.

I am an inveterate hoverer too--think of it as a mini workout. I go nowhere without my hand sanitizer either!

Thank you for this thread. I hope the many tips and experiences offered by everyone here are useful to you, FullMetal Shorty, and help make your life easier.

[7DeadlySins]

Originally Posted by lynn P.

LOL yes I have heard of those and basically they're for women who are on long distance car rides and not near a service station. I wonder if they're disposable or plastic, to be emptied and used again. If it's the latter - this would create another problem of - you would have to rinse it and then where do you store it for next time...yikes....another germophobic nightmare lol. You wouldn't want to put it in your back pack lol.

The ones I happened to come across were disposable, thank goodness If they were re-usable they better have a very detailed explanation as to how to clean them properly in public lol. If they were anything but disposable I don't think I would be able to use them xD Have you happened to see any of these in the US, Lynn?

[7DeadlySins]

Originally Posted by Nola22

Whew--it feels good to know I'm not the only one who dreads having to use public facilities in many cases. I'm not phobic, just not enamored with the experience. I've really enjoyed reading this thread, believe it or not, and I deal with the inevitability of the public restroom in a similar manner to many of you.

My means of coping is a mental map or list of the best, cleanest bathrooms, at least those that appear that way on a regular basis. At one job, the women's room by a particular office in the complex was inexplicably disgusting--I avoided that one like the plague unless things had reached emergency proportions. Conversely, at school, the best bathroom of all was tucked away on the first floor, in the back of the building, near the classrooms used by the smallest academic department. They were wonderfully private too--so little traffic. On a larger scale, in whatever city I live at any given time, I know where the decent public restrooms are as well. Museums are always a good bet, and many have bathrooms in the lobby before you reach the point where you have to pay or offer a donation.

I am an inveterate hoverer too--think of it as a mini workout. I go nowhere without my hand sanitizer either!

Thank you for this thread. I hope the many tips and experiences offered by everyone here are useful to you, FullMetal Shorty, and help make your life easier.

Thanks for the input, Nola It's always good to know we're not alone when coming to a fear; no matter how strange it may seem to some lol. I use to hover a lot, I'm just really afraid if I try it again I may fall That wouldn't be good. I'm currently a senior in high school so I have to deal with some of the most disgusting things imaginable! Of course the old trick of mayonnaise on the toilet seat, unflushed toilets, etc, etc...The list can go on and on! lol.

I will be sure to post when I actually do manage to use the public restroom I know it sounds weird, but I know when that day comes I will be really proud!

[7DeadlySins]

Originally Posted by Can't Stop Crying

Same thing here...avoid them whenever possible, but if I can't help it, I follow pretty much the same things as Lynn P and then have hand sanitizer for when I actually leave the rest room.

Kinda funny story here, hope it's okay to share...when I was potty training my oldest, he refused to use public toilets, I spent about a year driving around with a potty chair in the trunk of my car, I guess it was better than him having an accident!

That's actually very interesting! I've never heard of a young child afraid of public restrooms. Usually children could care less about germs, much less know what they are! I will have to give a high five to him for being so smart and concerned!

Thanks for the advice!!

[lynn P.]

Originally Posted by FullMetal Shorty

The ones I happened to come across were disposable, thank goodness If they were re-usable they better have a very detailed explanation as to how to clean them properly in public lol. If they were anything but disposable I don't think I would be able to use them xD Have you happened to see any of these in the US, Lynn?

LOL I didn't know there are disposable ones. I went searching online and whoopeee I found a site with disposable ones. Can you imagine trying this for the first time....getting the proper aim and all. They're a bit pricey but if someone is grossed out enough, it might be worth it.
http://p-standingup.com/

The worst bathroom was in our local grocery store, when my girls were younger, they were always needing to go. Speaking of bad bathrooms.... there are some in the Middle East, where is an opening thingy, that's level with the ground. I never knew these existed and was stunned. I was at customs and had to go real bad...so I used it. You have to squat down and go. The all time worst was when I was a kid - we were camping and had to use an outhouse. Sorry for rambling but this topic is funny.

[7DeadlySins]

Originally Posted by lynn P.

LOL I didn't know there are disposable ones. I went searching online and whoopeee I found a site with disposable ones. Can you imagine trying this for the first time....getting the proper aim and all. They're a bit pricey but if someone is grossed out enough, it might be worth it.
http://p-standingup.com/

The worst bathroom was in our local grocery store, when my girls were younger, they were always needing to go. Speaking of bad bathrooms.... there are some in the Middle East, where is an opening thingy, that's level with the ground. I never knew these existed and was stunned. I was at customs and had to go real bad...so I used it. You have to squat down and go. The all time worst was when I was a kid - we were camping and had to use an outhouse. Sorry for rambling but this topic is funny.

Thanks for the link, Lynn! I really appreciate it!! I will definitely have to try these out! Did you happen to watch the video? It was pretty funny! xD I've seen videos and pictures of toilets in China and it looks like a nightmare! I can't imagine having to use a toilet like that! The thought alone is pretty frightening. I also remember using an outhouse when I was younger. That was also a pretty bad experience lol.

[lynn P.]

You're welcome.....unfortunately I don't have speakers on this computer but I'll watch it later on the laptop. I really think this is a great idea and they should sell them at stores. My worst bathroom experience was when I was 13 and a bridesmaid at my sisters wedding. I forgot about the long bow and when I sat down the long ribbon went in the toilet....I had to wash if off in the sink. This is probably too gross to talk about lol.

[7DeadlySins]

Originally Posted by lynn P.

You're welcome.....unfortunately I don't have speakers on this computer but I'll watch it later on the laptop. I really think this is a great idea and they should sell them at stores. My worst bathroom experience was when I was 13 and a bridesmaid at my sisters wedding. I forgot about the long bow and when I sat down the long ribbon went in the toilet....I had to wash if off in the sink. This is probably too gross to talk about lol.

I personally haven't had any bad public bathroom experiences since I tend to avoid them lol. Although, my cousin has had plenty of them! I don't think I should share them though without her permission first xD lol. The ribbon in the toilet is horrible! I think if that happened to me I would have cried; or have been very angry. I knew this one girl that had her glasses fall in the toilet. Now that...would be horrible. I'm sorry you had to deal with such a horrible experience, Lynn. I guess the good thing is that you can laugh about it now!

[with or without you]

I have anxiety with public restrooms but not out of fear of cleanliness...I can't stand going when other people are in there. The worst is when I enter a stall and there is a line of people waiting. I lock up and I can't go. This doesn't happen at airports or sporting events where there are tons of stalls...only when it's a small room with only 2 or 3. Going at work is the worst because I know lots of people, obviously. However, sometimes I'm OK, and sometimes I'm not. I notice that it usually happens when I'm anxious about something else going on in my life. Curse this problem! LOL.

[7DeadlySins]

Originally Posted by with or without you

I have anxiety with public restrooms but not out of fear of cleanliness...I can't stand going when other people are in there. The worst is when I enter a stall and there is a line of people waiting. I lock up and I can't go. This doesn't happen at airports or sporting events where there are tons of stalls...only when it's a small room with only 2 or 3. Going at work is the worst because I know lots of people, obviously. However, sometimes I'm OK, and sometimes I'm not. I notice that it usually happens when I'm anxious about something else going on in my life. Curse this problem! LOL.

Thanks for the post, with or without you! I'm also afraid of public bathrooms for other reasons besides cleanliness. I'm always afraid that people can see you through the small cracks of the door I always remember thinking, 'Can they see me? I hope not...' Then I would try to hurry and finish to prevent them from seeing; if it was possible that they could see me anyway. Another reason why I'm afraid to hover is because I'm frightened that someone might see through the crack and think/say, 'What is that girl doing? Why isn't she sitting down?' lol.

[WearilyConfused]

It is indeed nice to not be alone in the aversion to public restrooms. I carry a little ziplock bag full of folded up clorox wipes. When I go into a public restroom (still as rarely as possible), I wipe everything I might touch... the doorknob, the sinks, the paper towel handle... then a good portion of the stall door, the toilet seat, etc. Actually I was proud of myself the other day because I was stuck having to use a public restroom and didn't have my wipes... I squirted hand sanitizer on the toilet seat instead, and wiped it with toilet paper. Ahem. (I'm not very healthy and am unable to "hover!") I still try not to touch the door when I leave the bathroom...

[lastyearisblank]

In addition to all the hypervigilant, germophobe techniques layed out on here in such glorious detail... I carry a packet of disposable kleenex on me. You really never know about the toilet paper!

Also I make a beeline for the stall farthest from the door. I read somewhere (think it was the NY times of all places!) that the last stall in the row is usually the cleanest.

[sailboat]

about the 'what stall is the cleanest'.. I read it's the one in the middle.
I guess whatever one you choose is fine. I like the one with a window because I hate breathing in public bathrooms and even though you can hardly ever open the window I feel better next to a window.

My strategy: open the door with my sleeve, or push against it with my weight and open with my elbow (not in summer as it's bare skin), enter, somehow lock it, usually I have to touch it to do this, then hover!, flush with my pinky or toilet paper. Washing my hands repeatedly (with a disgusted face expression I cannot help but have) and then open the door the same way as when coming in.