It's not that the restroom was a pit of filth with exposed plumbing, standing water and mounds of bacteria massing in the corner, conspiring to jump people from behind when they weren't looking. By the admittedly low standards of public restrooms, the Del Amo Mall's offerings were clean enough. Because I just think that's wrong. There are certain bodily functions which, basic modesty dictates, ought to be performed behind closed doors away from the prying eyes of passersby. I realize the rationale for taking down the doors to men's restroom stalls.
Horrible things can happen in there.
But I still think it's a sign of our crumbling society that in the Del Amo mall, I can't maintain a shred of dignity while heeding nature's call. All the same, when you gotta go, you gotta go. So into the doorless stall I went. I was uneasily taking care of business as another restroom patron used the urinal. And as he did, he was carrying on a conversation with either his wife or his girlfriend or significant other.