[komali2]

Same here - my new roommate is constantly closing the blinds at night because he doesn't want the old lady in the building across from us see us sit around and play video games, I guess.

I remember refusing to shower after the gym because I didn't want people to see my wiener.

I think it changed when my friend's bathroom's door lock was broken. His brother was about to go in and was the kind of guy that liked to announce it before doing so. I warned him about the door, and he goes "so?" I remember being very surprised he didn't care, so I ask "Well, what if someone walks in on you taking a dump?"

He laughs. "I'd say, 'get out of here, I'm taking a dump!'"

That was nearly 18 years ago and it sticks in my mind so well.

[gaius]

Back in Roman times you'd go to the communal bathroom with your friends, sitting side by side and having a chat while doing your business. They didn't even bother with cubicles back then.

[syshum]

>>Back in Roman times

Yes well should we talk about other things that happened back in Roman Times....

>>>sitting side by side and having a chat while doing your business. They didn't even bother with cubicles back then.

Please please lets not bring that back.... restrooms are not a meeting space, I dislike it when people attempt to talk to me at the sink when washing my hands, no restrooms are not a meeting space....

[komali2]

I definitely understand your discomfort! That's not something you should have to do if you don't like it.

I'm curious though, what happens if instead of reading the sentence like "back in Roman times, you read it like this:"

In rural India, it's typical for people to sit side-by-side and have a chat while doing your business. Sometimes they don't bother with cubicles there.

Or, maybe:

Wildfire firefighters, while on a line, typically squat side-by-side while doing their business. No cubicles in the wilderness.

If you don't think of it like a generational difference, and instead a cultural one, what are your thoughts? I only ask because I used to feel the same way until I witnessed #2. Sometimes it's just a mindset change, or cultural difference.

[pbhjpbhj]

And AIUI shared a sponge on a stick, dipped in vinegar, in lieu of toilet paper/bidet.

[azinman2]

So you became less embarrassed at his easy dismissal of something that you were afraid of?

[komali2]

Exactly. Even moreso, he made me realize there was nothing to fear. This "what's the worse that could happen, and how must I react" mindset has carried across to so many things for me.

What's the worse that could happen if someone walks in on my taking a dump? Well... I guess they'll have seen me taking a dump! And I'll tell them to leave!

What's the worse that could happen in this cold call? Well, I guess he could call me an asshole and hangup, and I'll make another call!

What's the worse that could happen if I ask for a raise? I get told no, and continue on with my day!

Etc.