Number one pet peeve right now in life? Public Restrooms and a lack of respect for others. Usually I’m the easy going type but I currently have a still new to pottying two year-old, a 4 year-old and I’m pretty hugely pregnant. All of us fitting into a standard size stall even when we don’t have a buggy or extra baby paraphernalia is more than a challenge, it’s nearly impossible. Not to mention mildly disgusting. Just to be able to shut and latch the door requires each of my children to cozy up on either side of the toilet (and ultimately being handsy all over no matter how many times I say “Sugarplum, don’t touch the potty!”) just so I can get in far enough to actually shut the door.
So yesterda after lunch we hit Target for a few essentials. While in the check-out line, I start smelling things. I ask Sugarplum if she had an accident and she screams no (I verify anyways) and ask her if she needs to go. She says yes. So upon checking out I rush over to the toilet and grab my extremely heavy oversized reusable bag out of the trolley. Usually I use the family restroom when I can and while every Target I’ve been to has one, I’ve yet to find one that is open (always locked or inconsiderate people who think they need some privacy?) So I quickly usher my children into the women’s bathroom behind an older woman who witnessed my struggle with the bag and directing Honeybun to check the family bathroom.
This is when I lose my cool. Nice old lady? Not a chance…straight into the Handicapped stall she goes. Seriously? (I actually said it out loud) then said to Honeybun “Alright, let’s all squeeze in the tiny little potty so Sugarplum can go before she has an accident.” Of course not using my nicest nor quietest voice (I actually echoed).
Unfortunately this is not the first time I’ve encountered this problem in recent months and I know it won’t be the last. I never go into a larger stall unless I have my children with me and require the extra moving around room. I would be really irritated if I was an actually handicapped person who required the extra space and grab bars and had to constantly wait to use the toilet.
So, here’s my plea: PLEASE DON’T USE THE FAMILY OR HANDICAPPED STALLS UNLESS YOU NEED THEM! There are many types of people who require the extra room and accommodations, if you do not, don’t be rude because chances are while you are taking your sweet little pee-pee time in your oversized, luxury toileting area, there will be a mom or handicapped person who desperately NEEDS that space.
