What I Missed About Japan: The Washlet

    I just got back from spending a fantastic ten day vacation stateside with my family, and the whole thing was really amazing save for one special item I wished I had been able to bring with us.

This pout perfectly explains my feelings regarding American toilet seats.

    The number one thing I missed most about Japan is the washlet. Nothing compares to the feeling of cleanliness and confidence that stems from washing the affected region after a bowel movement. Maybe it's just my inherent paranoia that leads me to over-wiping, resulting in significant particle left-overs that cling and make it impossible to feel really clean until you next shower.
    Using the bathroom without a washlet now leaves me feeling frustrated, convinced that I still smell of the sins committed upon the porcelain throne and that my undergarments are acquiring new undesirable stains, or that I have collected a forest of toilet paper particles.
    When I get to use a washlet, I leave the facilities feeling clean and secure, knowing that I'm not harboring disgusting toilet paper particles, staining my underclothing, or stinking of toilet-related activities. I feel refreshed, and walk out feeling significantly more confident and relaxed than I can when part of my brain is analyzing whether or not every person I meet thinks I stink in a literal and unpleasant way.

That's more like it. Calm. Comfortable. Clean

    I know the washlet isn't for everyone, and it took me the better part of two years to decide that it was worth trying. When nature called during a date, I decided that smelling awful or fearing that you smell awful adds something uncomfortable to the date, and I really liked this guy.

    I mean, of course I did. He's my husband now. While there are many factors that influence relationships, being able to take this risk and feel great about the outcome definitely didn't hurt that date or the ones that followed.    

    Using a washlet might not lead you to true love, but it beats the alternative.