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On Picking a Stall: The Subtle Art of Bathroom Decision-Making

Have you ever found yourself standing in front of a row of empty stalls in a public restroom, wondering which one to choose? It’s a surprisingly common dilemma—one that reveals more about our habits and preferences than we might expect.

Let’s set the scene: you walk into a restroom and see four empty stalls. Do you pick one at random, or do you have a tried-and-true method? Maybe you peek inside each for cleanliness, check for toilet paper, or simply opt for the first stall you see. Some might even rely on the classic “eeny, meeny, miny, mo” approach.

For years, my strategy was straightforward: find the cleanest stall. I’d start at one end, glance inside each, and settle on the best option. But experience taught me that cleanliness isn’t the only factor—if there’s no toilet paper, that stall is a no-go. So my routine evolved: a quick check for both cleanliness and toilet paper before making my choice.

After plenty of trial and error, I’ve landed on a method that rarely lets me down: I almost always choose stall number one. Why? In my experience, most people skip the first stall, assuming it’s too obvious or not private enough. As a result, it tends to be cleaner and usually has a full roll of toilet paper. This trick works best when there are several stalls available, but I’ve found it holds up even during moderate restroom traffic.

Of course, there are exceptions. At busy places like airports, concerts, or sporting events, you’re lucky to get any stall at all—cleanliness and toilet paper become luxuries. In those situations, my best advice is simple: always carry tissues in your pocket and be ready to improvise.

Next time you’re faced with a row of empty stalls, maybe try the first one—you might be surprised by the outcome. But beyond bathrooms, this small decision highlights how we approach everyday choices, from picking a seat in a classroom to choosing a line at the grocery store. Have you noticed similar patterns in your own routines? I’d love to hear about the habits and preferences that shape your daily decisions, whether in restrooms or elsewhere.