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I know this is a bit of a weird thing to be happy about... but last night I was out, and quite drunk... and I had to pee. So I (nervously, as always) took myself off to the bathroom. I walked past someone using a trough style urinal and went to the stall. The guy at the trough then left so I though f-it, I'll try the urinal... to my amazement I was able to go. I've thought about it before, but never been brave enough.
So anyway, whilst I was using it, someone else came in and started using the urinal (and I kept going), and then another (and still, I was peeing).
I realised, I have no idea if those other guys were actually going or not (I noticed one guy didn't wash his hands though !)
I've been trying to challenge myself lately.. just things like not waiting until I get home and stuff.
And one time, I was using the only stall in a bathroom... when I left, there was a guy patiently waiting to use it...
I know it's not *real* progress as I was pretty drunk, but it's something I think.
Oh how we minimise anything positive in our lives. "I know its not real progress". Well actually it IS real progress, because what is so important is the change in attitude; and the learning from personal experience of things just like "I have no idea if those other guys were going" Too right.
A common factor is fear of negative evaluation by others "they are thinking: why am I not peeing?". Now you realise you had no idea if they were or not, you know realise that they could not be evaluating you at all, negatively or positively.
As for the other guy waiting patiently for the stall; yes guys do use stalls: openly, noisily. No one cares; if you are worried someone will comment, just have an answer ready "I prefer stalls" "Why?" "Just do. Why are you so interested?" Cue rapid exit of embarrassed questioner. Except that noone will ever comment.
Keep challenging yourself, but in little steps; jumping in the deep end is a sure way of drowning :-)
!)