Two people on a date.

Our staff has no issue letting it fly!

In the realm of intimate relationships, there exists a peculiar phenomenon that has long been shrouded in secrecy and whispered about behind closed doors. It’s a topic that evokes discomfort and embarrassment, yet affects each and every one of us: the act of pooping in the presence of a partner.

According to a recent survey conducted by MyFitnessPal, a staggering 63% of Americans admit to experiencing what experts are now terming “poop-xiety” – the fear of crapping around a loved one.

In a study that delved into the bathroom habits of 4,000 individuals between the ages of 18 and 59, MyFitnessPal uncovered a startling trend: the majority of Americans are hesitant, if not outright unwilling, to relieve themselves while in the company of their significant other.

Fart-proof underwear might help…

This reluctance extends beyond mere discomfort; it has become a pervasive societal norm, with individuals going to great lengths to conceal their bodily functions from their partners.

For many, the thought of answering nature’s call in the presence of another person is nothing short of a nightmare scenario. Fifty-six percent of respondents confessed that they would only resort to using the bathroom in the company of others if faced with an emergency situation – otherwise, they would hold it in until a more opportune moment presented itself.

This avoidance behavior extends to romantic encounters, with a staggering 63% of participants admitting that they would refrain from using the restroom if their date or partner were nearby.

The implications of this phenomenon are far-reaching, affecting not only individuals’ physical comfort but also their dietary choices and social interactions. In an effort to avoid potential embarrassment, nearly half of Americans surveyed (46%) stated that they would steer clear of dairy products while on a date, while an equal percentage (48%) admitted to avoiding spicy foods to prevent any unwanted gastrointestinal disturbances.

“Poop-xiety” – the fear of crapping around a loved one.

These dietary sacrifices serve as a testament to the lengths individuals are willing to go to maintain a facade of bodily perfection in front of their partners.

But what lies at the heart of this pervasive fear of pooping in front of a partner? According to experts, societal taboos and ingrained notions of privacy play a significant role in shaping individuals’ behavior. From a young age, many of us are taught to view bodily functions as inherently private and shameful, leading to a sense of embarrassment and discomfort when confronted with the reality of our own humanity.

Moreover, the pressure to present oneself in the best possible light during romantic encounters only serves to exacerbate these feelings of anxiety and self-consciousness.

In a culture that places a premium on physical attractiveness and social desirability, the thought of exposing one’s bodily functions to a partner can feel like a direct contradiction to the carefully curated image we strive to maintain.

So where do we go from here? Breaking down the barriers of poop-xiety will require a fundamental shift in societal attitudes towards bodily functions and intimacy.

By normalizing open and honest communication about our bodies and their natural processes, we can begin to dismantle the shame and stigma that surround pooping in front of a partner.

In the end, it’s important to remember that everybody poops – it’s a fact of life that unites us all, regardless of age, gender, or relationship status. Embracing this reality and learning to laugh at our shared humanity can go a long way towards fostering deeper connections and greater intimacy in our romantic relationships.

So the next time nature calls on a date night, perhaps it’s time to let go of fear and embrace the awkward hilarity of being human. We do…

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By Neil

Neil launched Poopable in 2023, making him the Poo Poo Presidente. After overcoming childhood public restroom anxiety, one of his proudest accomplishments is relieving himself on six continents and over two-dozen countries. His preferred bathroom includes a neutral scent, double ply toilet paper and a strong industrial flush. His trade secret to making any restroom poopable – baby wipes.