For sometime now I have been pre-occupied with the interesting
topic of why most men do not sit on toilet seats when
urinating, especially while at home, or in other bathrooms
without urinals. Should I write about this topic? Is it
something worthwhile writing about? My subject appetite
became satisfied when I came across several articles,
forums, and some research on the topic. I felt so much
better to know that I was not the only one wondering about
this topic.
Almost forty years ago I realized that it was best to sit on
the toilet seat while urinating because it reduced the risk
of splashes and the possibility of leaving the seat wet for
the one who would come behind me, especially my dear wife.
Sitting while urinating avoided arguments and greatly
increased hygiene. The only places I would stand while
urinating would be where there are urinals in public
facilities. I could aim directly into the bowl avoiding
splashes. It was safe and hygienic.
What concerned me over the years was the attitude of many men who
refuse to appreciate how wise it is
to sit on the toilet
seat to urine. One professor told me that there was a small
unisex toilet near the classroom where he taught. The women
always complained of the smell and how untidy it was due to
the men who left urine on the toilet seat and the floor. So
the professor requested that all the men sit while urinating
so the bathroom would be always fresh and clean. The
responses of the men were terrible. They said “Do you think
we are females? That’s ridiculous! What stupid man would
sit on the toilet seat?” Some stamped away bellowing
expletives and saying other mean things at the professor.
They all refused to sit on the toilet sit to urine. At
least these men could have raised the toilet seat so the aim
area would be wider and close it when finished, but they
refused to cooperate.
One research indicates that about 80 percent of men around
the world refuse to sit on the toilet seat or at least raise
the seat while urinating at home. I found a somewhat
humorous article that describes four types of men who refuse
to sit on the toilet seat or who at least refuse to lift the
toilet sit when urinating. You might find this interesting.
It is found on “The Lazy Nigerian” online. Here are the
four kinds of men:
First, the lazy man. “This breed of man makes
up close to 80 percent of the world’s population.” They
consist of those who are ready to urine just about anywhere
in public, even beside car doors and beside the road on the
side of trees, “The toilet seat, in their eyes, is a 50
pound weight that requires brute strength in lifting.”
Second, the proud man. “This type of man may
not necessarily have anything to be proud of but certainly
feels too big to bend over and touch a toilet seat, let
alone lift it. He has more ‘important things’ to worry
about. He thinks it’s someone else’s job to clean his mess
up (it’s beneath him).”
Third, the inconsiderate man. This type of man is
“commonly associated with men who are in relationships and are yet to be married. They seem to forget
quite easily that there is another person living with them
or who comes to visit them frequently. These men tend to be
stuck in their ways and believe their partners should quit
complaining and just adapt.”
Fourth, the gentleman. All the ladies love this type of man.
No matter how pressed he is, he always manages to lift the
toilet seat up (or to sit down) and even remembers to put it
back down for his lady. Some would say he’s soft, others say
he’s a pushover. But women say he is a considerate, humble
and diligent man. . . . He only makes up less than 20
percent of the world’s population and most of his type was
raised by decent parents who have great toilet etiquette.”
Men, let’s be considerate. When using a regular toilet to urine,
sit down, especially when another person would come after
you to use it. You will be a gentleman. Would a sitting position
change who you are or your sexual orientation? Certainly
not! Then give your wife or partner a wonderful Christmas
gift. Start sitting on the toilet seats at home. Happy
sitting!
Barrington H. Brennen is a marriage and family therapist and
board certified clinical psychotherapist, USA. Send your
questions or comments to
question@soencouragement.org or write to P.O. Box
CB-11045, Nassau, The Bahamas, or visit
www.soencouragement.org or call 242-327-1980 or
242-477-4002
