Will you greet someone in the washroom, if he/she happens to meet there?
By dpk262006
@dpk262006 (58676)
Delhi, India
February 10, 2009 1:17am CST
This post may sound a bit weird or funny to some of you. My due apologies to those who do not like this kind of discussions. If you do not like the post, please ignore it, but please do not rate my post negative. However, a question kept travelling in my mind, therefore, I thought it better to start a post on it. If you happen to meet someone known to you in a ‘wash room’, would you ‘wish’ or greet him/her? Will it be all right to ‘wish/greet’ him/her at that place or will you term it against etiquette and you will ‘wish’ him/her once you are out of the washroom? I sometimes find it awkward to greet someone in the washroom; I simply smile, instead of shaking hands etc. or exchanging other pleasantries. Your take on it please. Thanks in advance.
10 people like this
25 responses
@aisaellis22 (6445)
• United States
10 Feb 09
Hello deepak! I don't think you discussion is weird or something. It's good actually because everybody coud relate to it. Well, honestly, I don't know your culture there but here in the Philippines, if we see someone we knew, we would probably greet them. I remember when I was in college, after the class we usually went to the comfort room or bathroom and that when we saw our classmates, we usually greet them in the comfort room and we chatted for awhile. We don't hug or something, we don't shake hands, we just talk and said hi. Is it your tradition there to shake hands?
@dpk262006 (58676)
• Delhi, India
10 Feb 09
Hello! Aisa!
I am relieved to know that my discussion has not been considered as 'weird' by my dear friends here. Many thanks for the same.
So in your college days, if you happen to meet your friends in the washroom, you would coneniently exchange a smile/pleasantries, there is nothing wrong in it, I suppose.
Rather, ignoring someone know to you over there, could be rude.
You reached to the point, where I wanted to point out........
I suppose, it won't look good to shake hands in the washroom, one can do it outside the washroom. Normally, when we guys meet in corridors etc. (in office) we shake hands, here in India.
Thanks for sharing your experiences and expressing your views.
1 person likes this
@aisaellis22 (6445)
• United States
10 Feb 09
oh I am glad I got what you wanted to point out. Yes, you're right. It's not really good to shake hands inside the bathroom and like you, I think it's really rude when you see each other in the washroom and pretend as if you don't know each other.
2 people like this
@dpk262006 (58676)
• Delhi, India
10 Feb 09
You are an 'intelligent' person, therefore, you could reach to the core point.. Shaking hands etc. can be attended to outside the washromm.
. Shaking hands etc. can be attended to outside the washromm.1 person likes this
@Roseo8 (2947)
• India
10 Feb 09
well dpk.....You dont have to be apologetic about this post....I dont see anything weird in this....Well when ever I use public wash rooms I invariably opt for the ones marked as "lady" or "queen"
......And if at all I happen to come across fellow ladies or queens of my acquaintance,
I just greet them with a sweet smile,and sometimes exchange some pleasantries with them.
But I remember one incident when I went to a hotel wash room and a "gentleman/king" suddenly emerged from one of the ladies rooms taking me by surprise.I immediately told him that this was a ladies wash room,and the poor man left the place with a sheepish smile.In his hurry to answer the call of nature he had forgtten to check the notification on the door.......
......And if at all I happen to come across fellow ladies or queens of my acquaintance,I just greet them with a sweet smile,and sometimes exchange some pleasantries with them.
But I remember one incident when I went to a hotel wash room and a "gentleman/king" suddenly emerged from one of the ladies rooms taking me by surprise.I immediately told him that this was a ladies wash room,and the poor man left the place with a sheepish smile.In his hurry to answer the call of nature he had forgtten to check the notification on the door.......2 people like this
@dpk262006 (58676)
• Delhi, India
10 Feb 09
Hi! Rose!
I am relieved to know that my discussion has not been considered as 'weird' by my dear friends here. Many thanks for the same.
I know it that you would only use the washroom, which is marked as (and for) 'Queeen'...LOL! ....So you happen to meet your acquaintance in the washroom, you would conveniently exchange a smile/pleasantries, there is nothing wrong in it, I suppose.
Rather, ignoring someone know to you over there, could be rude.
Thanks for sharing your funny experience and expressing your views.
2 people like this
@lingli_78 (12822)
• Australia
10 Feb 09
oh yes... i will... i don't think why not... in fact, i had done that many times... just say hi, how r u doing and something like that... i didn't see anything wrong in doing that even in the toilet... in fact, many people had done it to me as well... take care and have a nice day...
2 people like this
@dpk262006 (58676)
• Delhi, India
11 Feb 09
....so if you happen to meet your acquaintance in the washroom, you would conveniently exchange a smile/pleasantries, there is nothing wrong in it, I suppose.
Rather, ignoring someone know to you over there, could be rude.
Thanks for sharing and expressing your views.
@riyasam (16556)
• India
10 Feb 09
as i said earliar,a post started by a friend is never ridicoulous.i have encountered this problem,when i go to washroom at mcdonalds or at airport.they are often strangers,so i just smile,if i meet someone who is known to me,i would exchange some pleasanteries.
@dpk262006 (58676)
• Delhi, India
10 Feb 09
Riya! If a stranger is there, then it is no problem, he could be igonored, however, we would need to 'smile' at a known to person.
' at a known to person.1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58676)
• Delhi, India
10 Feb 09
.....do you mean to say that it would not be against the etiquette to exchange pleasanteries, even if it is a 'washroom'?
2 people like this
@dpk262006 (58676)
• Delhi, India
10 Feb 09
Many thanks for being the first one to respond. So as per your opinion, you see nothing wrong in greeting someone in a washroom and it is not against the etiquette.
1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58676)
• Delhi, India
10 Feb 09
Thanks again for enlightening me. You may be right that it may appear rude, if one is not greeted.
1 person likes this
@kbmsaylor (94)
• United States
10 Feb 09
i always say hi to people when i walk into the bathroom, whether i know them or not lol. i usually get weird looks, but i don't care, im just trying to be nice (even though it is just a bathroom)..
if i happen to actually know the person, i will say "hey how ya doin" and if they wanted to continue to talk, or i had an interest in continuing the conversation i would say "i'll meet ya out there" or something like that.
maybe some people just dont feel comfortable talking in the bathroom, so they try to avoid it, and avoid eye contact, i've noticed that alot lol.
oh well. doesn't hurt my feelings if you don't want to talk to me where ya poop haha
2 people like this
@dpk262006 (58676)
• Delhi, India
11 Feb 09
....so if you happen to meet your acquaintance in the washroom, you would conveniently exchange a smile/pleasantries, there is nothing wrong in it, I suppose.
Rather, ignoring someone know to you over there, could be rude.
Thanks for sharing and expressing your views.
@dpk262006 (58676)
• Delhi, India
10 Feb 09
.....One would not go beyond 'exchanging' a smile.......in the washroom, I suppose. If you have to converse, you need to talk to him, outside the washroom.
Thanks for dropping in.
1 person likes this
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
10 Feb 09
Personally I feel there is nothing wrong with acknowledging someone if you run into someone you know in a Bathroom somewhere. Personally I think it would be rude to not acknowledge them, especially if they are a Friend or acquaintance that you know, and will be seeing again. I have been known to do this many times, and even to people I do not know, and have no problem doing so either.
2 people like this
@dpk262006 (58676)
• Delhi, India
11 Feb 09
....so if you happen to meet your acquaintance in the washroom, you would conveniently exchange a smile/pleasantries, there is nothing wrong in it, I suppose.
Rather, ignoring someone know to you over there, could be rude.
Thanks for sharing and expressing your views.
@sudiptacallingu (10879)
• India
10 Feb 09
Where is the problem Deepak? Going to the washrooom is but natural to everybody…from the price to the pauper, nobody is exempt from nature’s call! The problem and awkwardness lies in our mind, in our typically hypocritical attitude of denying things which are perfectly normal for everybody. Rather, the washroom can be one private space in a crowded commotion, where if you meet somebody close, you can exchange something more than mere pleasantries.
2 people like this
@dpk262006 (58676)
• Delhi, India
10 Feb 09
Hi! Sudipta!
I know going to the washroom is but natural and we all go to public washroom or in our office, quite often.
You say that we can exchange pleasantries, without any problem, with a known to person, in a washroom, I suppose. But what do you mean by more than pleasantries, do you exchange more than pleasantries in a wash room, when you come across, someone known to you?
Thanks for sharing and expressing your views.
1 person likes this
@cupid74 (11388)
• Pakistan
10 Feb 09
hi deepak
weekll sure its not a regular mail
and i am sure u mean public wash room in this mail. well in such areas there are seperate wash rooms for males and gents , so very less chance to meet any of opposite gender
so if i meet any of my friend in such place, i like to pass smile and "hi. how are u" thats all
take care
1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58676)
• Delhi, India
10 Feb 09
Cupid, are there such washrooms, in your place, where you happen to meet a person from opposite gender.........LOL!
Thanks for sharing your views.1 person likes this
@Sreekala (34312)
• India
10 Feb 09
Hi Deepak,
I was thinking this much time after getting the notification, is there anything funny. But I can't find anything funny/weird in your discussion. Usually we greet only the known persons and I don't have the habit of greeting strangers. So I think there is nothing unusual if we talk with the known persons or greet them inside the washroom.
@dpk262006 (58676)
• Delhi, India
10 Feb 09
Hi! Sree!
I am relieved to know that my discussion has not been considered as 'weird' by my dear friends here. Many thanks for the same.
....so if you happen to meet your acquaintance in the washroom, you would conveniently exchange a smile/pleasantries, there is nothing wrong in it, I suppose.
Rather, ignoring someone know to you over there, could be rude.
Thanks for sharing and expressing your views.
1 person likes this
@mayka123 (16605)
• India
10 Feb 09
I may not shake hands with a person I meet in the washroom but would certainly exchange a hello or may be even speak a few words. I dont think it would be proper to ignore the person just because we are in the washroom. Just an eye contact would also suffice sometimes.
2 people like this
@dpk262006 (58676)
• Delhi, India
10 Feb 09
.....One would not go beyond 'exchanging' a Hello or speaking a few words.......in the washroom, I suppose. Ignoring him/her could be rude, even if it is a washroom, if would be safer to make eye contact/greet/smile.
Thanks for enlightening me.
1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58676)
• Delhi, India
11 Feb 09
....so if you happen to meet your acquaintance in the washroom, you would conveniently exchange a smile/pleasantries, there is nothing wrong in it, I suppose. You right,if there is anything to be discussed, that could be done outside the washroom.
Rather, ignoring someone know to you over there, could be rude.
Thanks for sharing and expressing your views.
@dpk262006 (58676)
• Delhi, India
10 Feb 09
.....One would not go beyond 'exchanging' a smile.......in the washroom, I suppose. But how would you ascertain if he has any urgency, till you speak to him..........LOl!
Thanks for dropping in.
1 person likes this
@faith210 (11224)
• Philippines
11 Feb 09
Hi deepak! I don't think there is anything wrong in greeting anyone you know in the washroom. I do exchange smiles and make some small talk with the person I personally knew if she happens to be there too. However, we don't shake hands or kiss each other on the cheeks when in that environment. lol
Take care and have a great day!
lovelots..faith
Take care and have a great day!
lovelots..faith@dpk262006 (58676)
• Delhi, India
11 Feb 09
HI! Dear!
....so if you happen to meet your acquaintance in a public washroom, you would conveniently exchange a smile/pleasantries, there is nothing wrong in it, I suppose. I agree that shaking hands or kissing does not look nice in such an enviornment.
Thanks for sharing and expressing your views.
@gitfiddleplayer (10362)
• United States
10 Feb 09
I'm not in there to meet friends, so shaking hands hello won't be happening.
1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58676)
• Delhi, India
11 Feb 09
But what would you do, if you face a friend in a public washroom?
@mimico (3617)
• Philippines
11 Feb 09
Oh I love talking to people so even if we bump into each other in the washroom I'll say hello. of course, it can be quite weird to hold a conversation while inside the cubicle because there is a lot of noise (like flushing or the sound of running water). But it's hard to look for the person again if we're in a club or a restaurant. So when the opportunity to converse is there, I'll jump on it!
1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58676)
• Delhi, India
11 Feb 09
....so if you happen to meet your acquaintance in a public washroom, you would conveniently exchange a smile/pleasantries, there is nothing wrong in it, I suppose.
Rather, ignoring someone know to you over there, could be rude.
Thanks for sharing and expressing your views.
@nikhil_sun (576)
• India
11 Feb 09
Well I do not think there is any harm in greeting someone in the washroom/toilet.Usually these are places that are classified according to gender.So most probably you would be meeting someone of your gender only in these places.Add to it at your workplace it would be your colleagues and other company mates that you would be coming across here.Sometimes a colleague you haven't met for quite a while may be encountered here.And I think it should not at all matter if you wish someone here.Only thing is proper etiquettes regarding cleanlisness needs to be followed.Hence shaking of hands need not be done.Just an oral greeting would be appropriate here.
@dpk262006 (58676)
• Delhi, India
11 Feb 09
Nikhil!
If you happen to meet your acquaintance in a public washroom, you would conveniently exchange a smile/pleasantries, there is nothing wrong in it, I suppose. I agree that shaking hands does not look nice in such an enviornment.
Thanks for sharing and expressing your views
@Jenaisle (14078)
• Philippines
10 Feb 09
Hi dpk, this will depend on the type of washroom it is. If it's spacious enouh, well ventilated and could accomodate my intention then I would, but if it's not conducive to small talk, then I will just have to wait outside, especially if the person is a long time friend I have not seen in a long while. @dpk262006 (58676)
• Delhi, India
11 Feb 09
Quite interesting response! Your reaction to such a situation will depend upon the size of the washroom. What if it is bigger one, will you exchange greetings and will talk to your known to persons?
Thanks for sharing.
@flojever (404)
• Philippines
11 Feb 09
Hi there Deepak,
I'm responding to your discussion because I don't see anything wrong with it. It's not weird. To answer you question, if I happen to meet someone I know in a wash room, I would definitely greet him/her. Nothing wrong with smiling at him/her and saying, "how are you?"
Happy myLotting :)
@dpk262006 (58676)
• Delhi, India
12 Feb 09
If you happen to meet your acquaintance in a public washroom, you would conveniently exchange a smile/pleasantries, there is nothing wrong in it, I suppose.
Thanks for sharing and expressing your views.
