All About Pocket Knives

Recently, I went into the men's room at a local Sheetz large convenience store. The bathroom was empty except for a man of about 35 or so at one of the urinals doing his business and two young girls of about ages 6 and 8 standing nearby. The family resemblance of the three was unmistakable. While still doing his business, the man looked over his shoulder at me, nodded toward the other urinal and said to "Go ahead. It's okay." Although my teeth were floating, I just politely declined and said that I could wait until they were gone.

I do applaud a traveling lone parent taking the steps needed to ensure the safety of his young daughters in a busy public venue. He was gracious in giving his okay for me to proceed, and the girls were looking away from the direction of the urinals--probably at his instruction. However, there was no way my fly was being unzipped in the presence of those young girls, even if they weren't looking.

How would you guys have handled it?

Chris J.

If in your shoes or his, I think I would have handled it the way you both did. I would worry about 2 young girls un attended if mine, and also would wait to use the restroom in their presence, unless in a closed stall.

C-WADE7 wrote: ↑Wed Jun 04, 2025 10:19 pm If in your shoes or his, I think I would have handled it the way you both did. I would worry about 2 young girls un attended if mine, and also would wait to use the restroom in their presence, unless in a closed stall.

Thanks for sharing. Your reply got me thinking "why didn't I go into one of the stalls?" Thinking back on it, I remember that the two stalls were occupied.

Chris J.

You did the correct thing. I can understand him not wanting to leave them alone outside the restroom. I also try to help if a father has to bring his daughters into the men's room because they are young enough to need assistance: I have stood guard outside the door in a case like that before.

There is s huge difference between a lone parent who is trying their best in a difficult situation, and the predators who take advantage of a lenient society.
Again, I believe that you did well.

You did the right thing, Chris.

Thank you for sharing this Chris. I applaud both of you gentlemen and given all the circumstances
I believe everyone acted appropriately.

The same way

Thanks for your replies, everybody.

Chris J.

Chris, your experience triggered a memory of about 75 years ago. We went to town and while shopping, mother took me into the ladies room in a store in Orlando. She was either protecting me or was afraid I'd wander off.
I applaud your reaction in the men's room.!
Treefarmer

Chris good call

I remember when my kids were younger and I travelled alone with them. You have to do what is right. Especially in a world so full of crazy and evil. It’s worse now than 30 years ago.
Steve
S

TF & Steve :

Thanks for sharing--appreciated.

Chris J.

I would not even allow 6 and 8 year old girls to go into a public womens restroom by themselves these days. There are too many creeps out there to take a chance.

The "family" restrooms are appreciated. One can "clear it" for the girls and then guard the door until they are done.

OP, you did the right thing, and I appreciate the dad that was putting his kids first.

Jeepergeo wrote: ↑Fri Jun 06, 2025 6:09 pm I would not even allow 6 and 8 year old girls to go into a public womens restroom by themselves these days. There are too many creeps out there to take a chance.

The "family" restrooms are appreciated. One can "clear it" for the girls and then guard the door until they are done.

OP, you did the right thing, and I appreciate the dad that was putting his kids first.

Thanks for sharing, Jeeper. I didn't anticipate that I would find anyone here who would have taken the father up on his offer to "Go ahead" and use the second urinal even though the girls were present. Happy to say that I was correct.

I, too, applaud the Dad for taking steps to ensure the girls safety.

Chris J.