Secrets of Acceptable Locker Room Behavior

I didnt see it coming, nor did I want to see it, but my niece did, and she was grossed out by a woman parading around the locker room in her birthday suit. Of course, you cant wear a towel when youre dressing and undressing, but the rest of the time (doing your makeup and hair, walking to and from the restroom, shower, and sauna), remember: locker room towels are there for a reason, so use them.

Which leads us to our first secret of locker-room etiquette:

Cover up. Im thrilled that your body is fit as a fiddle, but not everyone wants to see it. Show off by the pool in your bathing suit.

Avoid the locker room stare. If you wear a towel at the appropriate times, you wont have to worry about drawing looks. But if others are into self-display, just ignore themits uncool to stare.

Keep conversation to a minimum. Most people are in the locker room to dress or undress, not to visit, so greet your friends, but make your interactions brief.

Mind the no-phones policy. Most gyms have rules for using cell phones, and the locker room is one place usually on the no-phone list. Theres nothing wrong with texting, of course, but remember to keep your phone in silent mode.

Shoes, please. Floors in locker rooms are often slippery and grimy. Wear shower shoes/flip-flops to keep from falling and falling prey to infections.

Keep common areas tidy. After you use a hair dryer, put it back where you found it. Remove any personal items, such as hairbrushes, combs, andworsehair!

Lock it up. Be sure to keep your locker locked. I can think of northing worse than not having undergarments to put on after a shower. Be safe, not sorry.

Dont hog space. Its okay to spread out on a bench or in front of a mirror if no one else is around; otherwise, leave room for others.

Use the towel-disposal bins. Dont be a slob. On your way out, drop all of your used towels in a bin so others dont have to do it for you.

Lisa Mirza Grotts is a warm and no-nonsense expert on the thorny subject of etiquette in todays world, helping her readers and clients to be at their best in social situations. Her advice column, Since You Asked, is featured on her website, LisaGrotts.com , where she answers a myriad of questions about how to put your best foot forward wherever you go. For more about Lisa, connect with her on Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , and LinkedIn .