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.

[saynotomarry1]

on 4/30/2009 Men only marry women to use them for sex, to have children, and make them their personal slave. The least you can do is put the damn seat down.

[bugsb257]

on 4/15/2009 I have never understood why this is the man's problem. If you are the one who is about to sit on a sticky, narrow toilet bowl rim, how about you look before you put your arse down? It is YOUR arse. Just a little info for you: Sometimes men sit down too. And I, for one, am always sure to check out what I am about to put my bare arse on! Why can't you simply look before you sit? You'd think after just once of sitting on the rim you'd be able to figure this out on your own. But remember that "training can take time".

[jouuu]

on 4/15/2009 "Cluetoons" If ever anyone bought me some manner of picture book , popup book or anything else with generic cartoons to show me how I was a clueless man, I might be a tad offended. Remember even though us men aren't mind readers neither are women and just because we don't always do what you want doesn't mean we don't understand what that is. Sometimes we just don't agree with it.

[jouuu]

on 4/15/2009 I agree ebics this is highly offensive. Seriously this is disgustingly sexist. This is why the divorce rate is so high. I will get married the day I find a women willing to by ME an engagement ring (then we can take it back together to buy something we will both enjoy with the money.)Here is a clue ladies if you are giving us intimacy, affection , support, and companionship are but only four things you should expect in return and those are the same things in kind. If your willing to treat us as dogs over ridiculous whims and hold these things for ransom you soon won't have to worry about us leaving that seat up after all. I am so sick of this idea that we men are somehow emotionally illiterate, and only need to earn sex by appeasing our women whims in order to be happy. This idea of proving we value our relationships by learning how obtuse we are is nonsense. "Cluetoons" If ever anyo

[tamij]

on 1/17/2009 From reading these comments it appears that some people could use a great book I just got my husband called "Please put the toilet seat down and 49 other cluetoons to help him improve your relationship." More than just advice on the toilet seat, a lot of great advice on relationships in general.