marcus in leicester, u.k. found this stuck to the lid of the toilet by one of his housemates. “i’d understand if it was the seat,” he says, “but the lid?”
i’m with marcus, here — i don’t think this is some kind of dear abby “does the toilet paper go over or under?” type issue. is there anyone else who considers closing the toilet lid de rigueur?
related: dearest roommate
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612 responses so far ↓
#1 SarahBelle
Dearest housemate,
I’m a dude. We don’t do that shit.
Jul 17, 2008 at 11:54 pm rating: +20 
#2 JanScholl
my daughter is so spazz about the lid being down. She doesn’t want the cats to drink from it. I have news for her-it wont stop them or the dogs if they really want to drink from the porcelain crown. Mine lift the lid, drink and then scoot back and the lid falls back into place.
Jul 17, 2008 at 11:54 pm rating: +2 
#3 Atheros
It’s considered more hygienic to do so, but I wasn’t aware it was the social norm. Certainly not something to write a passive-aggressive note about (heck, what is?).
Jul 17, 2008 at 11:55 pm rating: +3 
#4 Julie
I read once that it was better if you have children to close the lid. I don’t have kids, and I’m not planning on having them for a long time, but I’ve gotten myself in the habit just in case I go over to someone’s house who has them. That way I won’t be at fault if the kid drowns in the toilet.
Jul 18, 2008 at 12:01 am rating: +13 
#5 Eww
I think the leave the lid down norm (and everywhere I have been it is a norm) came from when there used to be sewer rats who would crawl out of unclosed toilets.
Jul 18, 2008 at 12:01 am rating: 0 
#6 L
i always close the lid. you don’t have as many germs floating around that way, or at least thats what i like to tell myself.
Jul 18, 2008 at 12:03 am rating: +4 
#7 Canthz_B

Social norm or family custom?
Of all the things prospective roommates need to be clear on before moving in together, this ranks beneath last on the list.
As long as the toilet is flushed after use why hide the water? Everyone knows what’s in there.
Jul 18, 2008 at 12:03 am rating: +15 
#8 Bikerbabee
Dearest Roomie,
I thought it was awesome and mature of people to have actual face to face conversations of this sort, but, thanks for giving my friends at PAN a new note to snark over.
Marcus.
I have some penis stickers and glitter for you to put on there too Marcus.
Jul 18, 2008 at 12:09 am rating: +6 
#9 Quite Contrary
I leave the lid down so my cat can sit on the toilet and paw at and shred the toilet paper.
Jul 18, 2008 at 12:16 am rating: +23 
#10 Quite Contrary
Dearest Roomie: No. I was aware. And I didn’t find the information helpful.
Signed, Marcus
Jul 18, 2008 at 12:18 am rating: +22 
#11 Lo
I’ve had a snake crawl out of my toilet before, so I freak out when anyone leaves the lid up, as well.
Jul 18, 2008 at 12:28 am rating: +4 
#12 Beadknitter
It’s not in the MissManners book of good etiquette, but why have a lid on the thing if you’re not supposed to close it? In addition, I grew up in earthquake territory. You close the lid to keep things from falling into the toilet during an earthquake, no?
Jul 18, 2008 at 12:32 am rating: +11