
The Real Reason Men Spend So Much Time in the Bathroom
For years, women have been puzzled by the amount of time men spend in the bathroom. We all understand that everyone needs a little alone time now and then, but it seems like men are more likely to disappear into the bathroom for longer stretches than women are. So, what's really going on behind those closed bathroom doors? Why do men seem to take longer breaks, and what is it that makes this time so important to them? It's a question that many women have asked, and it might not be as simple as just using the bathroom for its intended purpose.
In No Rush to Flush
First, let's make it clear: It's not just your imagination — guys really do spend more time in the bathroom than women. A recent survey found that men spend about 14 minutes on the toilet each day, while women only spend about eight minutes, as reported by Pure Wow. Additionally, a 2018 study by Pebble Grey surveyed 1,000 men and found that, on average, they spend seven hours a year in the bathroom, according to IMAGE.
Taking 'Restroom' Literally
As much as we'd like to have some earth-shattering answer for why guys seem to take forever in the bathroom at the worst times, the truth is probably what their partners have guessed all along: They're taking a potty break to get some alone time. The bathroom is a private place with a locked door, and men often use it as an escape.
Research has shown that men are more likely to read while they're in the bathroom, which can keep them there for longer time periods than women. According to a report from the Cleveland Clinic, the average person usually spends about five minutes in the bathroom to take care of business, the New York Post said. However, when men read in the loo — whether it's a book, magazine, or even their phone — they tend to stay seated longer. This extra time spent reading can easily stretch their bathroom break beyond the typical few minutes.
One expert, therapist Michelle Caldwell, explains that many of her male patients see bathroom breaks as a way to escape the chaos of the house — a chance to relax and have some time to themselves. And what are they doing in there? Well, you probably already guessed. "Many men watch videos, scroll through social media and read the news," said Caldwell, according to Pure Wow. Basically, they're doing exactly what women might want to do — taking a break from the day and catching up on Instagram.
Caldwell also pointed out there's nothing wrong with spending extra time in the bathroom for some peace and quiet, as long as it's not used to avoid responsibilities. In short, we all need time to recharge, and sometimes the bathroom is the easiest place to do that.
Bathroom Biology
Another expert, gastrointestinal psychologist Madison Simons from the Cleveland Clinic, explains the reason might be biological. Some research suggests men may feel more relaxed during bathroom time, potentially due to biological factors. Simons says this is because men have a "binary switch" that lets them quickly switch between the fight-or-flight state (which makes them feel tense) and the more relaxed state, called the parasympathetic state. For digestion to work properly, the body needs to be in the relaxed state. This switch helps trigger what Simons calls the "rest and digest function," according to the New York Post.
Disappearing Act
According to IMAGE, one survey showed that one-third of men admitted to hiding out in the bathroom to get some peace and quiet away from family life. The same source reported that many men call the bathroom their "sanctuary," a place to escape from nagging partners, noisy kids, or just to have some uninterrupted time on their phones.
Of course, if one person in a relationship is using bathroom breaks so much that their partner never gets a chance to relax or get the support they need during tough times, then something is definitely wrong. It's important for both people in a relationship to have time for themselves, but it's just as important to be there for each other when things aren't going well. If one person is constantly disappearing to the bathroom and avoiding responsibilities, it can lead to feelings of frustration or neglect. Healthy relationships need balance, and both partners should be able to share the load and to support each other when needed.
The Bottom Line
In the end, while it's clear that many men use bathroom time as a chance to relax and get away from the chaos of daily life, it's important to remember that balance is key. Everyone needs some time to themselves to recharge, but when bathroom breaks start taking too long, it can create tension in relationships. Finding a balance between personal time and being there for the people around you is essential for keeping relationships healthy and fair.
References: This May Be The Reason Some Dads Spend So Long Holed Up in the Bathroom | Why Do Men Take So Long in the Bathroom? A Scientific Investigation | I'm a pooping expert — here's why men take so much longer to go than women