Signs of the Times [OPINION]

Used to be that going to the restroom was a fairly simple process. Just make sure you wash your hands on the way out, especially if you work there.

Things have gotten a lot more complicated these days.

And the signs! What's up with all of the signs?

These days, just figuring out which restroom you should enter can be challenging. I mean, back in the day, you just looked for the little stick figure that looked most like you on the door and you went in to do your business and that was it. Some places, especially here on the ocean, were a bit more clever and posted things such as "Bouys" for boys and "Gulls" for girls. Others just said "MEN" and "WOMEN." We got the message.

Today you've got to be careful, because one false turn and you could be peeing with somebody's Memiere!

Given the changes and complexities of today's society, it is simply no longer enough to just post a sign in the john that says "NO SMOKING." We must be more specific than that so that there is no confusion. Kind of crazy that we would make all of these things legal and then ban them from the bathroom, no?

When I was a kid and we were heading out, Mom would always say "be sure you go to the bathroom before we leave the house." When you think about it, Mom was almost always right so perhaps her wise counsel is more appropriate today than ever. Take care of business at home and never worry about offending anyone.

Barry Richard is the host of The Barry Richard Show on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. Contact him at barry@wbsm.com and follow him on Twitter @BarryJRichard58. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.