📱 Why I Take My Phone Into Public Restrooms (And It’s Not Just to Scroll)
“Can’t even go to the bathroom without taking a cellphone.”
That’s a comment I overheard in a store recently, and for some reason… it stuck with me.
At first, it sounded like one of those offhand remarks people make without thinking much about it. But the more I sat with it, the more I realized—there’s actually a deeper truth behind it.
Because for a lot of us, especially women, taking our phone into a public restroom isn’t just about scrolling social media or replying to a text.
It’s about feeling safe.
🚺 The Reality We Don’t Always Talk About
When I walk into a public restroom, I’m not just thinking about washing my hands and going about my day. There’s always that small voice in the back of my mind:
Is anyone else in here?
Does this feel safe?
What would I do if something happened?
And having my phone with me gives me a sense of security. It means I can call for help. I can text someone. I’m not completely alone.
It’s something a lot of women just… do, without even thinking twice about it anymore.
And honestly, that’s a little sad.
💔 A Sad Truth We’ve Normalized
It’s one of those everyday realities that doesn’t always get talked about out loud.
We’ve normalized doing small things to protect ourselves—holding our keys a certain way, checking our surroundings, sharing our location, and yes… bringing our phone into the bathroom.
Not because we’re paranoid.
But because we’re aware.
And awareness comes from lived experience, stories we’ve heard, and the world we live in.
😂 But Let’s Be Real for a Second…
Now listen… I’m not going to sit here and pretend it’s only about safety.
Because let’s be honest—sometimes I am scrolling in there too 😂
Sometimes it’s the only quiet moment in the day.
Sometimes it’s a quick mental break.
And sometimes it’s just habit.
And I know I’m not the only one.
💬 Let’s Talk About It
So yeah… maybe we do take our phones into the bathroom.
But it’s not always for the reasons people assume.
Sometimes it’s about safety.
Sometimes it’s about a moment of peace.
And sometimes… it’s a little bit of both.
If you’ve ever done this too, just know—you’re not alone.