DEAR MISS MANNERS: On occasion, my husband and I visit local restaurants. When I go to wash my hands in the ladies’ room, I often find that the sinks and floors need attention. I leave, hands unwashed, and tell the nearest employee that the ladies’ room needs attention. I usually also find the manager. On occasion, nothing happens, and I have to rely on the prepackaged “wet naps” that I carry in my purse to sanitize my hands.
Even if the room is clean, I avoid using the door handle when exiting. I wait for another lady to leave, and follow her closely, using my elbows to manage the door. What, oh dear, if I needed that facility for more than washing my hands or powdering my nose? I have quickly left restaurants with my husband when no one attends the facility. What might I say to the manager, other than “I need to use your ladies’ room, NOW, and it is too dirty to use”? What should I do? Even in perfectly lovely restaurants, this happens. What is happening to the world? Yes, I have dined in D.C. and have found the same issue.
