What Does Your Bathroom Say About You?

(ARA) - While most American women consider their master bathroom a comfy, relaxing and private space where they can do as they please, the guest bathroom is an entirely different story -- a decidedly "public" space in the home where even the most basic rules of etiquette are often abandoned.

"The guest bathroom is a very telling place," says etiquette guru Peggy Post, from the Emily Post Institute in Burlington, Vt. "As a host, a clean, well-stocked bathroom tells your guests that you are a considerate friend who is concerned about making visitors feel as comfortable as possible. And as a guest, your behavior in the guest bathroom tells your host whether or not you should be invited back."

Let's face it: Good manners are all about being considerate and respectful -- that hasn't changed since Emily Post wrote her acclaimed Etiquette manifesto in 1922. And almost a century later, nowhere else in the home are these character traits put to the test more often than behind the door of the guest bathroom.

In fact, a recent survey by the maker of Quilted Northern Ultra Plush(TM) 3-ply bath tissue found that a majority of us (83 percent) are eager to judge our host by the condition of their guest bathroom -- from its cleanliness to its selection of soaps and towels. ("Why Women Need Plush" study conducted on behalf of Georgia-Pacific, maker of Quilted Northern; page 50.)

So how to ensure you're putting your best face forward when it comes to the guest bathroom, either as a guest or a host? Peggy Post tells us how:

For hosts:

* Make sure the bathroom is spotless before your guests arrive: "A clean guest bathroom communicates that you want to make your guests as comfortable as possible."

* Set out bars of pretty, scented hand and bath soaps; if you use liquid soap, be sure the dispenser has been filled and won't run out mid-visit. "Toss out the dirty bar soap that might occupy your guest bathroom most of the time."

* When it comes to towels, be clear about which ones are for guest use: "Towels are the biggest source of confusion for guests, because many are afraid of using the frilly, decorative towels in the guest bathroom. Keep several clean, plush hand towels folded on the counter so guests know exactly which ones to use."

* Put extra rolls of quality three-ply bath tissue in plain sight, so guests don't have to rummage around the bathroom in search: "Stack the bath tissue as close to the toilet as possible or arrange the rolls in a pretty basket that you can set out on the counter. Let's just say the bath tissue in guest bathrooms speaks volumes."

* Leave a can of air-freshener in reach, since guests might feel embarrassed to ask for it after it's needed. "Or, set out some fragranced candles that can help mask odors."

For guests:

* Follow the Golden Rule: "Leave the guest bathroom like you found it -- or at least the way you would want someone to leave yours (that means seat down, guys)."

* Be aware of what your towel behavior is communicating: "Crumpling up a used towel and leaving it that way on the sink is grounds for permanently being crossed off the guest list. Re-hang damp towels over the towel rack, or re-fold and replace them where you found them on the sink. Never leave wet towels on the floor!"

* Always replace empty bath tissue rolls. "If you can't find a new roll, let your host know instead of rummaging through her cabinets."

* If you've left an odor, turn on the fan or crack the window. "Or, if there is air freshener available, use just enough to make the next guest feel comfortable."

* Let your host know if you've caused a toilet malfunction in the bathroom: "Even if it's embarrassing, quietly take your friend aside and tell her about the problem."

For even more insight on bathroom behavior -- and what yours says about you, visit www.emilypost.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent