That Awkward Moment When...

That Awkward Moment When...

You realize that the Walmart in you local mall doesn't have a family bathroom to fit you, your double stroller, two kids, and a whack-load of gifts, so you are forced to go to the standard bathrooms instead. Just as you head into the only handicap stall, you feel lasers boring into the back of your head. When you turn to look, there’s an old lady with a walker staring at you. “Oh my goodness! I’m so sorry! Please, you go first.” “Oh no, sweetie, you go ahead.” “No, ma’am. We’re all going to take a turn. Please go first.” “Oh, in that case, thank you very much.” “No problem, I’m so sorry.” “I understand, look at the size of that stroller!”

That Awkward Moment When...

You are standing in front of a handicap stall in an empty bathroom listening to an old lady do her business. You decide to walk towards the entrance to change a diaper on the change table instead. Just then, the whole bathroom fills up with people. After the last stall is filled, a very large woman walks in wearing a very faded and worn pair of pyjamas. She walks to the back and tries the handle of the handicap stall. She’s not disabled, she doesn't even have a cane. She’s just big, but no where near the biggest you've seen (and/or loved). At this point, your bladder is reaching critical mass from the free refills provided by McDonald's. You get her attention, “Excuse me. I’m next in line for the handicap washroom.” She simply says, “Oh” and steps back. You say “I’m really sorry, but there’s nothing else I can do. I can’t leave them alone while I go. I need the stall for their safety.” But she won’t make eye contact, she just stares at the floor. The old lady is out next, so you maneuver your double stroller around the large woman and past the old lady and into the stall and shut the door.

That Awkward Moment When...

You’re peeing and then you’re daughter is peeing and you realize that maybe you’re a total b*tch because WHAT IF she was only trying the door to the handicap stall because all of the rest of the stalls were being used? WHAT IF you come out and she’s in one of the other stalls and you just assumed she wanted the bigger bathroom because of her size? WHAT IF she wouldn't meet your gaze because you should be ashamed for making her feel badly? Or worse yet, WHAT IF she wants to use the handicap stall because of her size and you inadvertently pointed it out to her.

That Awkward Moment When...

You come out of the stall two pees later and she’s still standing there waiting for the stall, even tho the rest of the stalls are empty. “Thank you, I'm really sorry again.” you say. Still no comment from her, still no eye contact. Just a kind of sad expression on her face.

Is there something I should have done differently?

And is being large considered a disability? I gave my "turn" away to a lady with a walker, but not a large lady.

What are your thoughts?