Non-handicapped people using handicapped restrooms?

[vel]

So the other day I was out at the mall with my friends. I needed to use the restroom badly; it was one of those times where I just gotta go. Anyways, I went into the restrooms, and all the stalls were full. Luckily, a handicapped stall was open. I looked around, no handicapped people were around or needed to use the restroom, and since my bladder was about to burst, I quickly used it. Fast forward, I'm done and getting out of the stall, a women, probably 50 or older, started yelling at me for "sinning." I was confused, what have I done for this random person to call me a supposed sinner? She told me if I wasn't handicapped, I would be sinning to use the handicapped restroom, and continued ratting me out while I washed my hands. I handled it maturely I feel, I said alright, sorry, and left. Once I got out, I saw no handicapped person coming in, or waiting in line.

For me, when I was little I liked using the handicapped restroom, it was so much bigger and cooler, of course now I know if someone is indeed handicapped and in the restroom, you should let them use it. Secondly, if there are a lot of restrooms open, don't take the handicapped one. However, if all the restrooms are shut and there are no handicapped people in sight, you may use it quickly. That's how I was taught.

So the question is, when is it okay for non-handicapped people to use handicapped restrooms? I'd like to hear different opinions, obviously the woman who called me a sinner disagreed with my use of a handicapped restroom.

 

[piichinu]

only in emergencies...like u need a bathroom /that/ badly

 

[KaydeeKrunk]

So, I'm not technically handicapped but I literally can't properly use the regular sized restrooms like, my legs don't fit. So for me it's a nessesity. And honestly it's another restroom and everyone should have access to it. Also those are the stalls with baby changing stations. But if you can comfortably use a normal stall and there are people that need it don't be a jerk, but don't feel bad about using it when it's readily available

 

[Bowie]

Only if you really have to.

 

[wassop]

i use it if i know i'll be quick and the other stalls are full , they're not clean , or if i feel really sick and need space . of course i would never use it though if there was someone i saw who needed it . that's a very strange experience

 

[ApolloJusticeAC]

you dun ****ed up

I'm just kidding, i mean it's for handicap. Older people and such, you could only use it for emergency. But unless you to be a rebel and use it go ahead. To be honest, yeah it's only for handicap people. Maybe you should think about the consequences once entering. But i'm not a girl.

 

[chaicow]

You should only use the handicapped restroom for emergencies. You shouldn't use it too often because the purpose of the handicapped restroom is for handicapped people who actually need to use it.

 

[N a t]

I only use them when I have to, and never have I ever left the restroom to find a handicapped person waiting on me. If there is no where else to go, you should be allowed to use that stall and so should others. I just think it's super impolite to use it just for the fun of it...

 

[oath2order]

If I have to **** and the other stall is taken, I'm going in the handicapped stall.

 

[SlaughterShy]

unless there's a handicapped person there who needs to use it, I don't think it's a big deal; if there's a line in the bathroom and no one is using the handicapped stall, it would make sense for you to use it to speed up the process for everyone else... of course, if there's someone that needs to use the stall, let them use it! but it would be foolish to leave a stall empty when people gotta go. there's no feeling worse than a full bladder

 

[nintendoanna]

tbh i wouldn't use it personally there's usually enough stalls and i wouldn't wanna look like an ******* lol

 

[Red Cat]

The handicap stall is there so that people with physical disabilities have a stall they can actually use. However, it is not reserved exclusively for people with disabilities. People with disabilities are usually capable of waiting for a stall to become unoccupied just like everyone else. I personally only use the handicap stall if it's the only one available just in case someone with a disability really needs to use it (which is rare), but if all of the other stalls are occupied, then I go ahead and use it because otherwise it will probably just go unused and cause more people to have to wait.

 

[FruitsChinpoG]

I would only use the handicapped stall if the restroom was packed and I really had to use it, but that rarely ever happens.

And I think it's awful to be mean to someone if they didn't seem like they have a handicap. What if they had an invisible illness or something? They're probably already having a tough time when suddenly someone goes and shouts in their face and berates them, thinking that they're doing justice

 

[furbyq]

My thoughts on the matter are very similar to Red Cat's. I don't want to use the handicap stall and potentially prevent someone who needs it from using it, but I will use it if it's the only thing available and I really need to go.

 

[KarlaKGB]

it's ok just do this

 

[Eline]

I feel the same way as you, OP. Last week I was at a musical, and as usual the restrooms had a MASSIVE line. So, a few of us decided to use the handicapped toilet. HOWEVER, when a handicapped person comes, they go first and the rest should have to wait.
I don't think there's anything wrong with using this toilet, as long as you let handicapped people use it first.

 

[Stalfos]

If you gotta go, you gotta go.

 

[TheGreatBrain]

I see no problem with it. I use it all the time, and I've noticed that when there's a long line, everyone else uses it too. I agree with redcat. I don't think it's for handicap only. Obviously, you should let handicap use it first, but if you got to go, and it's the only one available, then use it. This woman who called you a sinner for using the tiolet is ignorant, rude, bored, and maybe a little coo coo. I applaud you for being mature and just walking away.

 

[Mars Adept]

Personally I wouldn't use it, but that's probably just because I don't usually use public toilets anyway.

 

[visibleghost]

that woman should have chilled tf down .,,.