Urinal etiquette explained
Bilateral Clearance in a Chamber with Occupied Termini
QUESTION 3/20
The presence of a visitor at each end removes the simplest terminal solution. The remaining problem is not to identify an edge, but to preserve separation on both sides.
The situation
The Pub · Entrance: Lower right.
| Position | State |
|---|---|
| 1 | Ordinary visitor |
| 2 | Available |
| 3 | Available |
| 4 | Available |
| 5 | Ordinary visitor |
Recommended position: 3
The central interval
Positions one and five are occupied. Position three leaves one unused fixture between the player and either visitor. Positions two and four each place the player immediately beside one of them. The middle is therefore the strongest candidate on interpersonal clearance before any secondary preference is examined.
The proper limits of a maxim
The instruction to favour an end applies among otherwise comparable candidates. It does not require an attempt to share an occupied end fixture, nor does it elevate the nearest vacant substitute into an equivalent boundary. The entrance offers no reason to surrender bilateral spacing.
Conclusion
Position three preserves the available buffer on both sides. The Committee recognises no scientific advantage in reducing two sensible gaps to one unnecessary acquaintance.
In plain language
Both ends are occupied. Pick the middle. Leave a gap on each side instead of attaching yourself to someone.