In the age of renewed information sharing and social media, I find things like “No Public Restrooms” to be a bit wacky.

Another day, another lunchtime motorcycle ride. I was tooling out and about when I felt nature’s call, so I decided to ride on for a bit to find a restroom. Yeah, being a guy is great and all since we can easily pull over and do our thing in the bushes, but I like to do it right. I’ve got a thing for clean hands.

My ride was somewhat off the beaten path, so when I came across a place on the road, I was (well, hoping to be) relieved.

That is, until I saw the sign: “NO PUBLIC RESTROOMS.”

I don’t follow instructions well in this type of situation, so I decided to go in and ask anyway. It’s not like I wanted something for nothing: I have a personal policy of always purchasing something if I go in and use the restroom. It’s my way of saying, “Hey, thanks for providing for one of my most basic needs. Let me support you.”

But this guy wasn’t budging.

“Sir, do you have a restroom I can use?” I asked, trying to give my sad puppy eyes.

“Nope.”

And with that, I kind of half-shook my head in disbelief and left.

I’d like to tell you about how this place was actually kind of cool on the inside. I’d love to talk in greater depth about the main product they were selling (not gas; it wasn’t really a convenience store). I’d like to link to their website or a map to the place on Google. I’d like to review them on Yelp! for being so nice for letting me use the restroom.

Of course, I’m not going to do that. Why should I? What would I say? Would I tell people to come out and try your amazing product, but make sure your family hits the head before departure? Nah, I think I’ll pass. I don’t want people I know going to that place based on my recommendation, on the off chance they might have to use the bushes across the street.

There’s lessons from the digital world that can be learned here. Of course, you already picked up on that, right?