Did You Press That Button?

Is there a worse feeling in the world, then going to use a public restroom, or a restroom in someone else's home and worrying that the door won't lock?

It is possible that most normal people do not suffer from this fear, but I do. Especially in a house where there are lots of small children. It's like my Grandmother's joke about the guy who goes to visit his friend, and they sit down to dinner. When it's time for soup, the guest is served and the dog keeps staring at him. Finally, he can take it no longer. He asks his friend why the dog is staring at him. the reply: "because you're eating from his bowl."

Granted, this is not my type of humor, though it was part of my Grandmother's repertoire, so having heard it many, many times it stuck with me. The kids are like the dog, the bathroom the supper dish. You never know when they're going to want what is rightfully theirs.

So, when frequenting these restrooms, I make it my business to lock the door and then double check it. It makes me feel better and more secure.

I am thwarted however, by those push button locks that open when you turn the knob. There is no way to check that the door is actually locked! Who invented this? Really, whose great idea was this? Are there really so many people getting locked in rooms that it was necessary to put this fail safe method on? Because, no you won't get locked in, but you don't even know if you're locked at all!!

So to those of you changing doorknobs, or building new rooms, changing doors, or anything that gives you the opportunity to be in the market for a new doorknob, do not choose this one. No matter how strongly it is suggested. All other locks can be opened from the outside with the right tool, and in a real emergency you can just slam down the door.

Please, we are crazies are people too.