Relieving Yourself At The Coffee Shop

If you plan on spending a few hours at a coffee and conversation friendly place to work, chat, or whatever else, having to relieve yourself is inevitable. I have been asked time and time again whether or not I leave my computer at the table or pack up and take it and everything else with me.

Carrying your stuff to the restroom to simply return a few minutes later is something I try to avoid. First, it’s a waste of time. Second, you might loose your seat. Third, anyone who notices what you’re doing will have something to talk about:

That guy took his laptop to the restroom only to return to the same seat three minutes later and plug it back in…

It really doesn’t matter what other coffee and conversation friendly people think, but it will be amusing to watch from afar. When I drink too many cups of coffee and have to relieve myself, I do one of two things when I’m sitting alone:

• If I’m familiar with the coffee shop, I simply go to the restroom, taking my wallet, cellphone etc. with me, leaving my laptop plugged in, and backpack underneath the table.
• If I’m unfamiliar with the coffee shop, sitting near the front door, or looking to strike up a conversation upon my return, I ask the person seated closest to me to watch my stuff. You may be asking why I would trust a stranger, but don’t be surprised if you’re asked to do the same upon your return.

A third option, which I have never resorted to, is to ask the Barista to keep an eye on your stuff. This only seems appropriate if the coffee shop is slow. The Barista might be annoyed by a request like this, but she is likely to comply.

When you have to relieve yourself at the coffee shop and have your computer or work equipment with you, what do you do?

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