It鈥檚 been years since I first encountered the issue, but to this day, I still can鈥檛 quite understand it: why is it that people need to talk on the phone while using the loo?

I remember the first time I 鈥渆xperienced鈥� it. I was in the middle of a phone interview with a woman 鈥� for a story that I no longer remember the specifics of 鈥� and suddenly, the distinct sound of a toilet flushing came over the line. It was clearly in the very near proximity of the woman I was speaking to, and I remember I was horrified. I鈥檓 still horrified.

Now, it鈥檚 quite possible that the woman I was speaking with all those years ago was in the middle of some must-be-finished-now cleaning of said toilet, and that the flush was the final rinse that simply couldn鈥檛 wait.

But鈥� I鈥檓 doubtful.

Thankfully, years passed before the issue began to swirl afresh.

But sadly, in addition to reappearing, the practice has become rather regular. More and more often 鈥� weekly, at least, in my experience 鈥� I鈥檓 hearing the sounds of conversation coming from occupied public washroom stalls, with the chatter continuing through every step of the process.

And these aren鈥檛 emergency phone calls 鈥� I have no problem with those whatsoever. I鈥檒l even admit that I鈥檝e sent a panicked communication 鈥� but not a phone call 鈥� from a public-washroom stall myself, after falling ill at the ski hill and being simply too sick to exit without assistance.

I鈥檓 OK with anyone reaching out from anywhere, if help is needed.

But casual conversation from the 鈥榗omfort鈥� of a porcelain bowl? Certainly that can wait, if whatever you sat down to accomplish simply can鈥檛.

At the very least, switch to texting. Then, no one 鈥� at all, ever 鈥� has to know (wink, wink).

Technology has made amazing advances and one of many highlights 鈥� although some may poo-poo the notion 鈥� is our increasing ability to keep in touch. Really, there鈥檚 next to no excuse for losing track of someone, or not responding in some way.

But there are a few things that really don鈥檛 need to come along for the 鈥榮taying connected鈥� ride, and if you ask me 鈥� or even if you don鈥檛 鈥� talking while tinkling or taking care of other, ahem, 鈥榖usiness鈥� absolutely fits that definition.

I will acknowledge that there are much worse sounds to hear in a public washroom. But, ideally, that鈥檚 about the only place they鈥檒l ever be heard, particularly when you鈥檙e not the one responsible for them.

Despite the impression social media gives, not all experiences need to be shared. But will abstaining from this particular practice be a movement others can get on board with?

Please, some relief鈥�

Tracy Holmes is a reporter with Peace Arch News.