Awkward People

So get this, in EVERY bathroom I have been in the United Kingdom, there is an awkward person standing by the door. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that this country is full of creepers, but all the contrary, it’s their job to stand there, turn on the faucet for you, hand you a paper towel and if need be, hand you a cologne, gum, mouthwash or lollipop from their array of supplies. I don’t want to generalize, but I will, and it seems like most of these are minority immigrants, which is kind of sad that they come all the way to the United Kingdom and have to work in bathrooms.

It’s safe to say that most of these are really nice people just trying to make a living, but there a few who try to take advantage of you (not sexually). Next to their standing, or sitting area, where the supplies are, the cologne, mouthwash, gums and all that is a small plate with a few coins in it, which is obviously for tips. Well, you don’t really have to tip them, I suggest you be nice and considerate and do tip them, but you don’t. Anyways, most won’t take offense if you do not tip, but I’ve had a few run ins with some that demand a tip. For example, there was this one guy who as I take the paper towel stares at me like waiting for me to do something. I just say thank you and move towards the door, as I do this he says, “You forgot to tip”. I look back and just say, sorry don’t have any cash, and he calls me an asshole as I go out the door. Now, half an hour later I have to go to the bathroom again, and guess what, now I can’t cause the guy is going to say something so I’m left the whole night with the urge of having to go, but can’t cause I don’t want the guy to say anything else to me.

This has happened to me a few other times, as well as to my roommates. It’s just discouraging, if you don’t tip these people (the ones that are really demanding and try to take advantage of you, they are not all like this) then you are intimidated by them and you refuse to go to the bathroom again for the rest of the night, I’m sure that’s not good for my health. Anyways, I just thought it was an interesting thing to write about. So now you know, just tip, just in case you need to go to the bathroom again later on in the night.

Hope everything is going well back in the other side of the world.

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