Gotta Go, Gotta Go!

Be honest, have you ever peed in the shower? A couple of weeks ago I read this article about how dirty American women are and what is acceptable (and what’s not). One of the most common things, with 75% of women surveyed admitting to the act, was peeing in the shower and the authors of the article literally beg readers to take a whiz in the shower as often as possible, citing the amount of water it takes to flush a toilet and the harmless nature of urine as reasons why readers should. Additionally, the article briefly discusses urine therapy, the idea that urine can help many skin issues. I remember watching a program like Good Morning America years ago in which a professional talks about the wonders of washing ones face with the “first urine of the day” which frankly disgusted me, though I knew then that urine is basically sterile.

But, to answer the question I asked of you, I most definitely pee in the shower. I’m not the sort of person who would pee in the pool but I have always peed in the shower. I think psychologically a few things occur; the water makes me feel like I have to go, peeing standing up is liberating as a woman, and it’s an interesting feeling perceptually. I am a huge fan of sharing showers with a spouse/partner because of the non-sexual intimacy, the water preservation, and the utility of having someone on back-washing duty but I have found that not everyone shares my love of the shower-shower (did you get that one?). One of my exes was so against the idea that I would stand there uncomfortably, trying to wash quickly in order to use the bathroom. The first BF I took showers with however was all for the usefulness of such an idea, and was relieved (tee-hee) that I did the same. Common courtesy requires you announce your attentions, move to the front of the shower if you are in the back, and make sure you hit the ground and not your partner (though this rule is more for the men).

Some of the other questions asked were “do you take daily showers,” “do you wash your hands after using the bathroom every time,” “do you wear dirty clothes over again,” and “do you brush your teeth daily?” It was interesting to see the percentages of responses either way and to test my own upbringing and therefore my own practices with those. Another good question that was not asked is the sit or crouch at public restrooms question, which you could elaborate with sit on uncovered toilet seat vs covered toilet seat. Even typing that makes me think “Ewww” so you can guess where I stand (tee-hee yet again).

All of the questions have cultural significance, in my opinion. When my oldest niece was a child, for example, she had a ritual many people thought strange if she was spending the night somewhere other than home. She would hand-wash her underwear before bed. Odd, especially for a child, but her reason was simple. Her great-grandmother babysat her often after school, and being “old school” as she was taught my niece that if you wash your underwear every night, especially when you’re away from home, you’re pretty much guaranteed to have a clean pair in the morning. Good logic and my niece followed it for years. I can think of a reason/story behind all of my cleanliness rituals, including why I don’t follow the 5 second rule. So, which are you and why?

Check out the linked sites and don't say I never taught you anything. You know you didn't know what urine therapy was!