By Mary Pannabecker Steiner
Have you ever noticed how there is always a long line outside the women's restroom at public events?

We wait. And wait. And wait...while the men zip in and out of their own, with nary a line in sight.

Of course, men translate this to mean that we women are taking our time primping. This is not true. Let's just say that the mechanics of emptying one's bladder are more time-consuming for women than for men.

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So...recently when I discovered yet another line snaking out of the women's restroom and not a soul outside the adjacent men's room, I looked at the woman next to me and said, "Cover for me, and I'll cover for you."

She grinned and agreed, as several "do-it-by-the-book" souls primly looked on in disbelief. Maybe they don't have any brothers. Whatever.

While they waited another five minutes, we took turns standing guard outside the men's room and were done in a flash. Several other like-minded women joined us when we discovered there were two stalls.

I'll admit this isn't the first time I've done this because several years ago, I decided it just wasn't worth my time or vanity to forgo the use of an empty restroom - as long as I had a willing partner.

Here's what I've noticed about my forays into men's rooms. For the most part, they're just as clean as the women's and besides, germs are germs, right? Last I heard, germs don't differentiate between genders. So...as long as we wash our hands, all is good.

And if a man happens to walk in on me? Won't be the first time. I have four brothers who have prepared me well for dealing with such situations.

Grin and bear it.