Restrooms: the crowning point of awkward

Public bathrooms are awkward.

Although I thank my lucky stars for the chance I have to conduct my business behind the privacy of a stall door, unlike the male species, I still cannot help but get the heebee geebees every time I walk into a restroom. I stand in line amongst other potty users, silently contemplating which stall I will occupy, and who the stranger was before me to rest their rump on the seat. I scan the stall doors as I become the next in line, watching intently for the individual who leaves their stall first. My eyes rake over their person as I try to determine exactly which communicable diseases I'm going to have to try and save myself from. Like that itty bitty piece of tissue paper I so carefully place on the seat will do anything. Lets be real here.

What about the bathrooms that are simply a room with a toilet? The kind only one person goes into at a time (or possibly a few depending on your age). At work we have a bathroom like this. We share it with the employees at the grocery store. If the bathroom is occupied I have one of two options: hike to the other end of the store to pee, or merely wait for the person to finish. I most often choose the ladder. Said person exits the restroom and there is an awkward moment of confrontation. He/She is caught leaving the restroom, and I am caught going in. You stare for a moment, smile, and try to conceal the thoughts racing through your mind. Both of you are trying to conceal the fact that you are/were using the toilet. Like its something unordinary. Yes boys, ladies go too. Get over it. The worst is if there is a stench. All too often I find myself wanting to chase them down and teach them the courtesy flush. Once while I was waiting to go, a lady exited looked at me sheepishly and with eyes downcast offered her apologies. Confused I stepped in and was assaulted by a hideodorous stench. I was sure someone had died in there.

I need to increase my bladder strength to be able to hold it until I can get home. Is it possible to hold it for eleven hours? Without doing any damage? Bathrooms are weird. Period.