How to Get the Men in Your Household to Put the Toilet Seat Down

Sitting down in the middle of the night on a sticky, narrow toilet bowl rim is an experience no one should have to endure. So make the effort to train the men in your house to leave that seat down!

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Begin by mentioning - casually and calmly - that it'd be nice if he would put the toilet seat back down after each use. Make vague references to sanitary conditions.

2. Up the ante if strategy one doesn't work: Speak at length about urine-soaked toilet bowls. Be graphic if you think it will help you get your way.

3. Explain that the up position is not, contrary to what he may argue, the neutral position: Toilets are made to be kept closed, lid and all, between uses.

4. Point out that you never miss the bowl and that it's his job to cover up his misses.

5. Consider going on strike if you're the one who cleans the bathroom. If the male in question is likely to be less irked by a dirty bathroom than you are, consider striking on something that's more near and dear to him: Dinner? Shopping? Sex?

6. Enlist the support of other, more mannerly men. Encourage them to explain to the man you live with why they treat the toilet seat correctly.

7. Be relentless in your efforts - training can take time. Don't be afraid to try whatever you think might work: pouting, anger, threats, badgering or even silence. Avoid taking your mind off the goal.

8. Solicit strategies and advice from friends if you're at wit's end.

Tips & Warnings

• Persistence, coupled with a sense of righteousness, is key to winning this type of household battle. Believe in your mission, and follow through until you get results.

• If there's a boy child in your household, train him early to put the seat back down, that way you won't have to address the issue later.

• If your apartment or house has two bathrooms, consider making one for the men and one for the women if you just can't get the behavior you want.

• If the man in your life is too riled or willful or becomes too defensive or angry when you raise the issue, consider backing off for a time until you hit on another strategy for getting your way.