Bathroom Etiquette Rules for Couples

The bathroom is one room of the house in which there's debate amongst couples about what goes and what doesn't. Some insist on complete and total privacy, others are quite open, but many take a semi-private approach. Even if there's a happy medium, there's still a few bathroom rules for couples that can help prevent embarrassment, arguments, and even hurt feelings.

Keep the bathroom door closed

When you first start dating, even if you're extremely outgoing and open, keep the bathroom door closed. You'll eventually figure out what the other person is comfortable with although most prefer that the door stay closed. Until you figure out what the deal is, opt for shutting the door whenever you're in there.

Use the air freshener

One of the worst things is when you go into the bathroom after someone who didn't bother to try to eliminate the smell. Use an air freshener whenever you go into the bathroom and there's an obvious smell left behind. An air freshener may not be subtle, but it's much better than the alternative.

Don't flush when the shower is in use

There were a few instances when I was in the shower and a guy I was dating would use the toilet, flush out of habit and I would get scalded. You might make a mistake and do it out of habit, but make an extra effort to keep in mind that your partner is in the shower. If you really have to flush, at least give a heads up first.

Clean up your hair

Many women complain guys don't clean up after they shave and guys get grossed out by seeing long pieces of a woman's hair all over the bathroom. After you're done doing what you have to, always double-check that there's no pieces of hair on the floor, in the drain, stuck in the soap or all over the sink. It only takes seconds to pick it up and toss it in the trash. It may not seem like a big deal to leave it lying around, but your partner likely feels much differently.

Replace any product you almost finished

Did you ever go in the bathroom and realize too late that there's three sheets of toilet paper left or two centimeters of shampoo remaining? It's incredibly annoying, especially if you have to look around for replacements. Even if there's a little left, make sure to put a replacement within reach.

Don't walk in without knocking

You may feel comfortable walking into the bathroom and brushing your teeth or putting makeup on while your partner is going to the bathroom, but that doesn't mean your partner feels the same way. Knock first and wait for the okay before you go into the bathroom.

The one major rule about sharing a bathroom with your partner is to understand that both of you might not have the same views about what goes and what doesn't. Regardless, it's important to respect how the other person feels and just compromise.