How can I wait in line for the bathroom without crowding people as they exit?

Question

When I'm in a public establishment and there's a wait for the bathroom, I prefer not to stand too close to the door, because then I'm right in the face of the person exiting.

In particular, I think exiting a bathroom is a time when most people would least like to have a stranger right in their face.

On the other hand, I find that if I stand back a distance, people don't realize I'm waiting for the bathroom and just go around me:

This puts me in the uncomfortable position of having to constantly deliver the bad news that yes there is a line for the bathroom and I'm in it.

It may be that there's no good solution to this problem. But perhaps there's a way I haven't thought of to stand back a distance but still make it obvious I'm in line? Some way to make it conspicuous that I'm waiting without being intrusive?

Answer 1

Your diagram was helpful.
Like you might have noticed, non verbal communication can sometimes be all about location.

In my modification:

• You have your back against the wall facing away from the door but not in an angle that would hide your face.
• You are close enough so there's not so much space for someone else to sneak in, but neither so little space that you'd be invading the personal space of the individual leaving.
• You are not on their face.
• You are not so close to make them scared.
• Avoid having your hands hidden.
• Some people probably won't even notice you are there in the first place, if they are the type of individuals that move fast or in a rush.

Also, whenever someone else comes near with the intention to use the bathroom, you have options:

• Do something that shows you are waiting, like looking at your clock
• Or say something helpful and polite like:

  It's busy

This way you make clear you are informed of the status of the restroom because you are obviously waiting, the subtle denotation of the message is "I was here first".

Field testing experience: I'm a 6 feet tall viking-looking robust/endomorph dude and many people don't notice me using this method. They used to get scared/startled before.

Answer 2

I usually face the door from the opposite side.

Pass time by looking at your phone if you wish. This can also avoid awkward eye contact when the occupant exits.

If you notice or hear another person approaching, turn your full attention to the door to indicate your wait in the queue.

If the other person stands closer to the door than you, you can direct your attention to them and they may or may not get the hint or notice. There are two next steps from here:

1. Let them go before you.
2. Politely let them know you were waiting with something like: "Oh, sorry- I was actually waiting."
   If they disagree, I would leave it there as it's likely not worth the argument.

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If possible, waiting by the hinge-end of the door avoids the exiting occupant from seeing you and indicates to others that you are waiting.