Automatic flushing, faucets, and towel dispensers are amazing modern inventions. Nothing’s better than convenience and germ-free features, but inconsistent use of technology makes many of us just look foolish. Heads up restroom designers–either commit to automatic or forget about it. Emerging from an automatic experience in the stall, we stand in front of the sink for a full minute until realizing the soap involves a hand pump. We’re okay with “do-it-yourself” so where’s the water handle? Oh, it’s a wave thing again. And all bets are off when it comes to drying. Paper and air can be manually and automatically dispensed. Our heads are spinning and some of us are exhausted. No wonder they call it a “restroom”. We need one.
Nancy Berk, Ph.D. is an award-winning humorist, psychologist, and author. A blogger for The Huffington Post, USA Today College, and MORE Magazine, she also hosts the popular iTunes podcast Whine At 9. Nancy is the humor columnist for SHADY Ave and the voice behind SmartCollegeVisit.com’s College Mom Minute. Her comedy has landed her on many stages including TEDx and 30 Rock. Nancy’s new book College Bound and Gagged is a parent survival guide for the college-bound journey.
I think there are some places where technology is not a great thing and the bathroom is one place. Great post Nancy!
Oh, how we yearn for the good old days. When it was just us, a bush, and a hand full of leaves you hoped weren’t poisonous. 🙂
Okay Jack,now you’ve made me grateful for technology!
Ha, yes this is a universal problem. The other thing is even when they are all automatic it seems they are amused by making us look stupid. There is nothing like holding your hands under a facet only to watch water come out of the facet next to you. Then you move and as soon as you pull your hands out from under the facet water starts coming out of the facet you were at and stops at the one you move to. 🙂 Fun stuff.
I totally agree Ted. And do you know that in Columbus Ohio (think it’s the airport but don’t hold me to it) the detectors don’t recognize you are there if you are wearing black? So the toilets don’t flush automatically. If you’re in mourning or just trying to give that slim illusion, you’re doomed!
So I guess you have to always carry something red, like a matador, and wave it in front of the toilet to rouse it enough to flush.