Woman baffled after finding out she's been using toilets 'wrong' her whole life

20 August 2023 , 14:26

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A woman has come to realise she's been using public bathrooms 'wrong' her whole life (stock image) (Image: Getty Images)

There are some things in life we may think are common sense and presume everyone knows how to do, such as how to boil an egg or dress properly in the morning before going out your front door. But sometimes, you might think you know how to do something - only to find out you've been doing it differently to other people your whole life.

An 18-year-old woman came to the realisation that she had been using public toilets wrong her whole life, and only just had this epiphany during a conversation with a friend. According to the woman, she's been flushing the toilet with her foot - as she thought this was how it was supposed to be done.

Taking to Reddit, the anonymous woman explained: "I've been using bathrooms wrong." According to the woman, it is her mum, who is a "borderline germaphobe", who has taught her most of life's lessons, including how to flush toilets. Explaining the situation, she said: "You know how there's usually a lever you need to push in order to flush? I was told to use my foot to push it, thus preventing any unnecessary touching. I've done this in Every Single public bathroom I've ever been to."

This was up until a few months ago, during a conversation about public toilets, when her friend mentioned something about touching the flush "with her hands". The post continued: "I pulled a face and asked why. Then it was her turn to be confused and she said 'because that's how you're supposed to flush it?'. She then proceeded to ask me how I flush and I said 'by using my foot'. I was completely flabbergasted that she would use her hand and she was baffled and appalled that I'd been essentially kicking toilets for my whole life. Suffice it to say she gave me massive s**t for that and now my past actions haunt me every time I think of using a public restroom."

The post split opinions, with many people they do the same for hygiene reasons - while others were baffled. One person said: "I also use my foot," to which the woman replied: "I'm not alone!"

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Another commented: "I just scrunch up some some toilet paper and use it to press the button/lever without touching it. Throw it in right away and it will flush too, or throw it in the bin if there is one. Much easier than using your foot."

However, others didn't see the problem in using their hands, as long as you wash them afterwards. One person wrote: "Your cell phone is probably dirtier than a public toilet. Just wash your hands when you're done and it will be fine." While another added: "Most of us wash our hands afterwards."

Ariane Sohrabi-Shiraz