A woman’s unwritten rule about using toilet stalls has ignited a heated debate across social media, with users sharing strong and divided opinions.
Public restroom etiquette is a topic that rarely gets
discussed—until now. One woman’s viral post about her “toilet stall rule” has ignited a fiery online debate, leaving people divided over the “correct” way to use shared bathrooms.
The toilet stall rule: What’s the “correct” choice?
A woman, using the handle @MaryBethMayfair, recently took to Mumsnet to share her thoughts on public toilet etiquette.
She posted a diagram of a female bathroom layout featuring three cubicles labeled A, B, and C.
Her question was simple: “AIBU that C is the ‘correct’ choice of cubicle, assuming all cubicles are empty upon entry?”
According to her, cubicle C is the ideal choice. She argued that anyone entering after should choose cubicle A or B to maintain privacy.
Why Cubicile C?
The original poster explained her reasoning: “I was just in cubicle C, and someone entered moments behind me and went into B. I think that’s madness.”
She added, “I believe that statistically, A is apparently the cleanest cubicle, due to it being used least.”
Her post sparked a wave of reactions, with many agreeing that leaving a gap between stalls is the polite thing to do.
The Supporters: “Leave a Gap for Privacy”
Many users agreed with @MaryBethMayfair’s rule, emphasizing the importance of privacy in public restrooms.
One person commented, “I’m with you OP, I always leave an empty cubicle between myself and others if possible.”
Another added, “It’s weird to go into the middle cubicle when the one next to it is occupied. I didn’t think it was the ‘done thing.’”
Some even shared their own strategies, like choosing the farthest stall for more privacy during longer bathroom visits.
The Opposers: “There Are No Rules”
Not everyone was on board with the idea of strict toilet stall etiquette.
Some argued that public restrooms are meant to be functional, not governed by unwritten rules.
One user simply stated, “There are no rules.”
Another chimed in, “I always use the first free cubicle I find. I don’t care if you are in the next cubicle.”
For these commenters, the idea of overthinking stall selection was unnecessary.
The Skeptics: “Is This Even a Thing?”
The sheer intensity of the debate surprised many, with some users expressing disbelief that such a topic could generate so much discussion.
One person joked, “I can’t believe you’ve gone this far as to create a diagram for this total non-issue.”
Another laughed, “Do people actually think/worry about these things?”
Despite the skepticism, the post garnered nearly 200 responses, proving that public restroom etiquette is a hot-button issue for many.
While opinions vary, one thing is clear: public restroom etiquette is more divisive than you might think. Whether you’re a “leave a gap” advocate or a “first available stall” enthusiast, the debate highlights the unspoken rules that govern our daily lives.
So, the next time you’re faced with a row of empty stalls, remember: the choice is yours—just don’t be surprised if someone has an opinion about it.
And for the record? According to the original poster, you should never choose B.