"DEAR MISS MANNERS: After commuting to the same job for 15 years, 15 minutes from my home, last winter I took a better job an hour away. My body refuses to adjust to this new reality. Even though I have virtually stopped drinking water or coffee in the afternoons, and even though I visit the ladies' room last thing before leaving the office, I always arrive home urgently needing to go to the bathroom. It's been 10 months now, and it's not getting any better."
"GENTLE READER: Is now a good time to talk? Miss Manners only asks because you know. No, honesty is not the best policy here. Better to look concerned and antsy, excuse yourself, and dash. Telling the whole story is unnecessary. If your neighbors thought you were making up an excuse to get away from them, they will still think so after you give your explanation. And the full story would invite discussions you do not want to have, especially at that time."
A commuter moved from a 15-minute commute to an hour-long commute and now arrives home urgently needing the bathroom despite limiting fluids and pre-departure restroom visits. The commuter used to pause in the building lobby to greet neighbors but now hurries through to avoid a potential accident, which feels rude. The advised approach is to look concerned, offer a brief excuse, and dash without elaboration. Full explanations invite unwanted remedies, stories, and lengthy conversations from neighbors and undermine personal dignity. A short, anxious excuse preserves privacy and avoids embarrassment.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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