The Red Elephant in the Room III: Let it Flow

As adults, we don't wet our pants unless there is something wrong with our nervous system or bladder control. It would be a social disaster. No, not just a social disaster. A social catastrophe.

Alexander Ivanov's King Priam Begging Achilles for the Return of Hector's Body (1824)

"I beg you, please forgive me! It didn't even stain your sandal."

When you have a urinary tract infection, contrary to the social etiquette and convention, it is best to let go of your burden as soon as possible. Not only will holding in your number one allow the toxins to remain in the body, it will also create an environment to generate more inflammation and therefore pain. Sometimes even death (look at Tycho Brahe).

But of course, being the social butterflies and/or workaholics we are, it is not always possible in our modern culture to stay chained to a toilet at all times. 

Edouard Manet's A Bar at the Folies Bergeres (1882)

 "You have no idea how long I've been holding this in for."

In cases like this, the ideal thing to do is carry a small opaque bottle with you. If you're in a place like a park or in an alley and the bathroom seems miles away, discreetly find a dark corner where nobody will see you and do your business. ("Let me go and powder my nose behind that bush there." "That's a nice looking abandoned shed. Wait for me while I go around the corner and take some pictures!")

Otherwise, it is best to let a trusted friend or boss know if you think the situation is awkward enough to raise a few eyebrows. Not that it should. But with this red elephant, you never know...