- It is
- completely
- impossible
- impossible
- to stop
- ChatGPT
- From writing every
- ChatGPT
- line into it’s own
- item in a
- numbered list.
- No matter
- what you instruct,
- No matter
- it will ignore it.
- o1 is way worse
- with this.
- It is extremely
- verbose,
- It is extremely
- and every
- sentence
- is a new
- list item.
- list item.
- In conclusion,
- you cannot just
- get continuous
- and short
- responses
- that are
- easy
- to read.
- Other considerations:
- Here is some
- completely useless
- additional text
- to waste your time.
- Here is some
Just wait until humans start copy-catting it. Lists EVERYWHERE
- I don’t think you quite understand how annoying this will be.
- Because technically every sentence is an item in the enumeration of content you want to provide.
- So you could make each line its own numbered list item.
- Of course this would be stupid.
- We used to be able to read just fine when text was not lists.
The Ultimate Bulleted & Titled List 
Because Why Not Overdo It?
1. Introduction to the List
- Purpose Statement
- To exemplify an overly bulleted and titled list.
- To gently poke fun at AI’s structured presentation style.
- Scope of Mockery
- Highlighting redundancy.
- Exaggerating bullet usage.
2. Main Sections of the Mock List
2.1. Section One: The Grand Opening
- Subsection A: Setting the Stage
- Point 1: Initiate with a title.
- Point 2: Add some bullets for flair.
- Subsection B: Building Momentum
- Point 3: Continue the pattern.
- Point 4: Ensure maximum bullet points.
2.2. Section Two: The Overkill
- Subsection A: Redundancy Galore
- Point 5: Repeat for emphasis.
- Point 6: Maybe add another bullet.
- Subsection B: Nested Nuggets
- Point 7: Dive deeper with sub-bullets.
- Sub-point a: Even more bullets!
- Sub-point b: Because why not?
- Point 8: Keep the list expanding.
- Point 7: Dive deeper with sub-bullets.
2.3. Section Three: The Grand Finale
- Subsection A: Wrapping It Up
- Point 9: Almost there.
- Point 10: One last bullet.
- Subsection B: Final Thoughts
- Point 11: Reflect on the bulletiness.
- Point 12: Appreciate the structure.
3. Conclusion of the Bulleted Masterpiece
- Summary of Points
- A quick recap of all the bullets.
- Final Mockery Note
- Celebrating the art of over-bulleting.
- A nod to AI’s love for structured lists.
End of the Overly Bulleted & Titled List 
Thanks for enduring this bullet extravaganza!
Did you try custom instruction “Only use lists when I ask for it”?
@ curt.kennedy
This is literally what every ChatGPT experience is like for me.
I tell it in five ways to not make lists and write continuously in my custom instructions. It will ignore it after three messages. If I add it to a prompt it will do it for a message or two and then start ignoring it again.
Maybe make a custom gpt with all your likings and add that to the chat by @checkergpt with the prompt “go”
Yeah, custom GPT’s seem to be a little better at following instructions. But then I can’t select what model to use.
after the text was given wrong
yeah, sounds like copy and paste…
always tell it to “start and end the output with 3 backticks” then…
New game mode:
Each person asks ChatGPT a question in the same thread. The longer it is, the more points. If ChatGPT responds in a List it’s an instant 0
Why complain when we can offer solutions. Tell the AI which section you want completed further…
-
Introduction to Markdown Formatting
- Overview of Markdown
- Definition and Purpose
- Simplifying Text Formatting
- Historical Background
- Origin and Evolution
- Advantages of Using Markdown
- Ease of Use and Readability
- Common Use Cases
- Documentation, Blogging, and More
- Definition and Purpose
- Importance in Digital Communication
- Enhancing Clarity
- Structured Content Presentation
- Cross-Platform Compatibility
- Consistent Rendering Across Devices
- Efficiency in Content Creation
- Faster Formatting Processes
- Community and Ecosystem
- Supportive Tools and Extensions
- Enhancing Clarity
- Overview of Markdown
-
Markdown Rendering Process
- How Markdown is Parsed
- Tokenization of Text
- Breaking Down Elements
- Syntax Tree Generation
- Structuring the Content
- Conversion to HTML
- Rendering for Web Display
- Styling and CSS Integration
- Enhancing Visual Appearance
- Tokenization of Text
- Rendering Engines and Libraries
- Popular Rendering Tools
- Markdown-it, Showdown, etc.
- Comparison of Rendering Speeds
- Performance Metrics
- Customization Capabilities
- Extending Functionality
- Handling Edge Cases
- Managing Complex Formatting
- Popular Rendering Tools
- How Markdown is Parsed
-
AI Utilization of Markdown
- Reasons AI Uses Markdown
- Standardized Formatting
- Consistent Output Structure
- Enhancing Readability
- Clear and Concise Presentation
- Easy Integration with Tools
- Compatibility with Editors and Platforms
- Facilitating Training Data Preparation
- Structured Data for Models
- Standardized Formatting
- Benefits for AI Systems
- Improved Content Generation
- More Accurate Formatting
- Enhanced Understanding of Context
- Better Semantic Interpretation
- Streamlined Data Processing
- Efficient Handling of Text Data
- Increased Flexibility in Output
- Versatile Presentation Options
- Improved Content Generation
- Reasons AI Uses Markdown
-
Pretraining and Supervision of AI with Markdown
- Pretraining Processes Involving Markdown
- Data Collection Strategies
- Gathering Diverse Markdown Content
- Tokenization Techniques
- Effective Parsing of Markdown Syntax
- Model Architecture Adjustments
- Optimizing for Markdown Processing
- Evaluation Metrics
- Assessing Markdown Handling Capabilities
- Data Collection Strategies
- Supervised Learning with Markdown
- Annotation and Labeling
- Tagging Markdown Elements
- Fine-Tuning for Specific Tasks
- Customizing Models for Markdown Output
- Feedback Mechanisms
- Incorporating User Corrections
- Continuous Improvement
- Iterative Training Processes
- Annotation and Labeling
- Pretraining Processes Involving Markdown
-
Overuse of Lists in Markdown
- Identifying List Overuse
- Common Symptoms
- Repetitive Structures
- Impact on Readability
- Potential for Information Overload
- User Experience Considerations
- Navigability and Engagement
- SEO Implications
- Search Engine Optimization Effects
- Common Symptoms
- Reasons for Overusing Lists
- Simplicity in Formatting
- Ease of Creating Lists
- Habitual Writing Patterns
- Default to List Structures
- Perceived Clarity
- Belief in Enhanced Understanding
- Template Limitations
- Restricted Formatting Options
- Simplicity in Formatting
- Identifying List Overuse
-
Countering List Overuse with Prompting
- Effective Prompt Design
- Encouraging Diverse Structures
- Prompts for Varied Formatting
- Specifying Content Delivery
- Instructions for Narrative Formats
- Highlighting Alternatives
- Suggesting Tables, Paragraphs, etc.
- Reinforcing Best Practices
- Guidance on Balanced Formatting
- Encouraging Diverse Structures
- Examples of Balanced Prompts
- Narrative Style Instructions
- Promoting Storytelling Approaches
- Requirement for Detailed Explanations
- Encouraging Elaborative Content
- Limiting List Depth
- Restricting Nested List Usage
- Combining Formats
- Integrating Lists with Other Structures
- Narrative Style Instructions
- Effective Prompt Design
-
Countering List Overuse with Fine-Tuning
- Fine-Tuning Strategies
- Dataset Curation
- Selecting Balanced Content
- Loss Function Adjustments
- Penalizing Excessive List Generation
- Incorporating Style Guides
- Embedding Formatting Preferences
- Parameter Optimization
- Adjusting Model Settings for Variety
- Dataset Curation
- Monitoring and Evaluation
- Performance Metrics
- Tracking Formatting Diversity
- User Feedback Integration
- Utilizing User Responses for Refinement
- Iterative Training Cycles
- Continuous Model Improvement
- Benchmarking Against Standards
- Comparing with Best Practices
- Performance Metrics
- Fine-Tuning Strategies
-
Exploring Behaviors of Different AI Models
- Comparative Analysis of Models
- Model Architecture Differences
- Understanding Structural Variations
- Training Data Diversity
- Impact of Data Sources on Output
- Performance in Markdown Rendering
- Evaluating Formatting Accuracy
- Adaptability to Formatting Styles
- Flexibility Across Markdown Variants
- Model Architecture Differences
- Benchmarking Model Performance
- Standardized Testing Procedures
- Consistent Evaluation Methods
- Metrics for Comparison
- Precision, Recall, F1 Scores
- Case Studies and Examples
- Practical Illustrations of Differences
- Selecting the Best Fit
- Choosing Models Based on Specific Needs
- Standardized Testing Procedures
- Comparative Analysis of Models
-
Advanced Markdown Features and AI Handling
- Utilizing Extended Markdown Syntax
- Tables and Grids
- Managing Complex Data Structures
- Code Blocks and Syntax Highlighting
- Rendering Programming Content
- Embedded Media Elements
- Handling Images, Videos, and Links
- Custom Extensions and Plugins
- Integrating Additional Functionality
- Tables and Grids
- AI Strategies for Advanced Features
- Parsing Complex Structures
- Accurate Interpretation of Extended Syntax
- Maintaining Consistency
- Ensuring Uniform Formatting
- Error Handling Mechanisms
- Managing Formatting Anomalies
- Enhancing Output Flexibility
- Adapting to Various Markdown Flavors
- Parsing Complex Structures
- Utilizing Extended Markdown Syntax
-
Best Practices for Markdown in AI Applications
- Structuring Markdown Content Effectively
- Clear Hierarchical Organization
- Logical Arrangement of Headings and Sections
- Consistent Formatting Standards
- Uniform Use of Syntax Elements
- Minimalist Design Approach
- Avoiding Unnecessary Complexity
- Accessibility Considerations
- Ensuring Content is Accessible to All Users
- Clear Hierarchical Organization
- Optimizing AI Performance with Markdown
- Streamlined Data Processing
- Efficient Handling of Markdown Inputs
- Enhancing Model Training
- Leveraging Markdown for Better Learning
- Improving Output Quality
- Producing High-Quality Formatted Text
- Facilitating Maintenance and Updates
- Simplifying Content Management
- Streamlined Data Processing
- Structuring Markdown Content Effectively
-
Common Challenges in Markdown Rendering by AI
- Handling Inconsistent Syntax
- Variations in Markdown Implementations
- Dealing with Different Markdown Flavors
- Incorrect Formatting by Users
- Managing User Errors in Syntax
- Nested and Complex Structures
- Parsing Deeply Nested Elements
- Escaping Special Characters
- Correctly Rendering Reserved Symbols
- Variations in Markdown Implementations
- Solutions to Rendering Challenges
- Robust Parsing Algorithms
- Enhancing Syntax Interpretation
- Error Detection and Correction
- Identifying and Fixing Formatting Issues
- Flexible Rendering Engines
- Adapting to Diverse Markdown Standards
- User Guidance and Feedback
- Providing Real-Time Formatting Assistance
- Robust Parsing Algorithms
- Handling Inconsistent Syntax
-
Integrating Markdown with Other Formats in AI
- Combining Markdown with HTML
- Embedding HTML Elements
- Extending Markdown Capabilities
- Ensuring Compatibility
- Seamless Integration Between Formats
- Managing Style Conflicts
- Resolving CSS and Markdown Overlaps
- Enhancing Visual Presentation
- Leveraging HTML for Advanced Styling
- Embedding HTML Elements
- Using Markdown with JSON and APIs
- Structuring Data for APIs
- Utilizing Markdown in API Responses
- Parsing Markdown in JSON
- Handling Mixed Data Formats
- automating Content Generation
- Streamlining API-driven Markdown Creation
- Ensuring Data Integrity
- Maintaining Consistent Formatting Across Formats
- Structuring Data for APIs
- Combining Markdown with HTML
-
Security Considerations in Markdown Rendering
- Preventing Injection Attacks
- Sanitizing User Inputs
- Filtering Malicious Content
- Limiting Allowed HTML Tags
- Restricting Potential Vulnerabilities
- Escaping Special Characters
- Protecting Against Code Injection
- Implementing Content Security Policies
- Enforcing Safe Content Rendering
- Sanitizing User Inputs
- Ensuring Data Privacy
- Managing Sensitive Information
- Protecting User Data in Markdown
- Encrypting Markdown Content
- Securing Data Transmission and Storage
- Access Control Mechanisms
- Regulating Who Can View or Edit Content
- Regular Security Audits
- Identifying and Mitigating Risks
- Managing Sensitive Information
- Preventing Injection Attacks
-
Enhancing Collaboration with Markdown in AI Tools
- Real-Time Editing Features
- Synchronized Markdown Editing
- Enabling Simultaneous Collaboration
- Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
- Managing Editing Discrepancies
- Version Control Integration
- Tracking Changes and Revisions
- Commenting and Feedback Systems
- Facilitating Collaborative Reviews
- Synchronized Markdown Editing
- AI-Assisted Collaboration Enhancements
- Suggesting Edits and Improvements
- Leveraging AI for Content Refinement
- Automating Formatting Tasks
- Reducing Manual Formatting Efforts
- Enhancing Communication Through Markdown
- Streamlining Information Sharing
- Facilitating Multilingual Support
- Handling Markdown Content in Multiple Languages
- Suggesting Edits and Improvements
- Real-Time Editing Features
-
Performance Optimization for Markdown Rendering in AI
- Speeding Up Rendering Processes
- Efficient Parsing Algorithms
- Reducing Processing Time
- Caching Frequently Used Elements
- Minimizing Repeated Computations
- Asynchronous Rendering Techniques
- Improving Responsiveness
- Resource Allocation Strategies
- Optimizing System Utilization
- Efficient Parsing Algorithms
- Reducing Resource Consumption
- Lightweight Rendering Libraries
- Minimizing Memory Usage
- Streamlining Data Pipelines
- Enhancing Data Processing Efficiency
- Optimizing Code for Performance
- Writing High-Performance Rendering Code
- Monitoring and Profiling Performance
- Identifying and Addressing Bottlenecks
- Lightweight Rendering Libraries
- Speeding Up Rendering Processes
-
Future Trends in Markdown and AI Integration
- Advancements in Markdown Standards
- Emerging Markdown Specifications
- Adapting to New Syntax Features
- Enhanced Extensibility
- Supporting Custom Extensions
- Improved Compatibility with Modern Technologies
- Integrating with Latest Development Tools
- Community-Driven Innovations
- Leveraging Collaborative Improvements
- Emerging Markdown Specifications
- AI Innovations Impacting Markdown Usage
- Smarter Content Generation
- Leveraging AI for Dynamic Markdown Creation
- Enhanced Understanding of Context
- Developing More Intuitive Formatting
- Automated Content Structuring
- Organizing Information Without Manual Intervention
- Integration with Emerging Technologies
- Combining Markdown with AR, VR, and More
- Smarter Content Generation
- Advancements in Markdown Standards
-
Case Studies of Markdown Implementation in AI Applications
- Documentation Tools
- AI-Powered Markdown Editors
- Enhancing User Experience with AI
- Automated Documentation Generation
- Streamlining the Creation Process
- Real-World Usage Examples
- Success Stories and Outcomes
- Lessons Learned and Best Practices
- Insights from Implementation Experiences
- AI-Powered Markdown Editors
- Content Management Systems (CMS)
- Integrating Markdown in CMS Platforms
- Enhancing Flexibility and Usability
- AI-Assisted Content Creation
- Boosting Productivity with AI Tools
- Managing Large-Scale Content
- Handling Extensive Markdown Repositories
- User Experience Enhancements
- Improving Interface and Interaction
- Integrating Markdown in CMS Platforms
- Documentation Tools
-
Tools and Resources for Markdown in AI Development
- Popular Markdown Editors
- Overview of Leading Editors
- Features and Capabilities
- AI-Enhanced Editing Features
- Leveraging AI for Improved Editing
- Integration with Development Environments
- Seamless Workflow Integration
- Community and Support Resources
- Accessing Help and Tutorials
- Overview of Leading Editors
- Libraries and Frameworks for Markdown Rendering
- Selecting the Right Library
- Criteria for Choosing Rendering Tools
- Customizing Libraries for AI Needs
- Tailoring Tools to Specific Requirements
- Performance and Scalability Considerations
- Ensuring Efficient Rendering at Scale
- Maintaining and Updating Libraries
- Keeping Tools Current with Standards
- Selecting the Right Library
- Popular Markdown Editors
-
Education and Training on Markdown for AI Practitioners
- Learning Resources and Tutorials
- Comprehensive Markdown Guides
- Step-by-Step Instructional Materials
- Interactive Learning Platforms
- Engaging Educational Tools
- AI-Specific Markdown Training
- Tailored Content for AI Applications
- Community Forums and Support
- Leveraging Peer Assistance and Knowledge Sharing
- Comprehensive Markdown Guides
- Incorporating Markdown Training in AI Curricula
- Designing Relevant Curriculum Content
- Integrating Markdown Topics Effectively
- Hands-On Projects and Assignments
- Practical Application of Markdown Skills
- Assessing Proficiency and Competency
- Evaluating Understanding and Application
- Encouraging Continuous Learning
- Fostering Ongoing Skill Development
- Designing Relevant Curriculum Content
- Learning Resources and Tutorials
-
Customization and Personalization of Markdown in AI Applications
- Tailoring Markdown Rendering to User Needs
- User-Specific Formatting Preferences
- Adapting Output to Individual Styles
- Dynamic Theme Selection
- Allowing Customizable Visual Themes
- Personalized Content Structuring
- Organizing Information Based on User Behavior
- Accessibility Customizations
- Ensuring Inclusive Content Presentation
- User-Specific Formatting Preferences
- AI-Driven Personalization Techniques
- Learning User Preferences
- Utilizing AI to Understand User Behavior
- Adapting Content in Real-Time
- Modifying Output Based on Immediate Feedback
- Predictive Formatting Adjustments
- Anticipating User Needs and Preferences
- Enhancing User Engagement
- Creating More Relevant and Engaging Content
- Learning User Preferences
- Tailoring Markdown Rendering to User Needs
-
Integrating Markdown with Collaborative AI Models
- Facilitating Team-Based Content Creation
- Shared Markdown Repositories
- Enabling Collective Access and Editing
- Real-Time Collaboration Features
- Supporting Simultaneous Team Efforts
- Version Control Integration
- Managing Changes and Progress
- Conflict Resolution Strategies
- Handling Overlapping Edits Efficiently
- Shared Markdown Repositories
- AI Enhancements for Collaborative Workflows
- Intelligent Suggestions and Recommendations
- Assisting Teams with Smart Content Ideas
- Automating Routine Tasks
- Reducing Manual Effort with AI Automation
- Enhancing Communication Through Markdown
- Streamlining Information Sharing and Feedback
- Monitoring and Analytics for Team Performance
- Tracking Collaborative Efficiency and Output
- Intelligent Suggestions and Recommendations
- Facilitating Team-Based Content Creation
-
Optimizing Markdown for Mobile AI Applications
- Ensuring Responsive Markdown Rendering
- Adapting Layouts for Mobile Screens
- Optimizing Content for Smaller Displays
- Touch-Friendly Formatting
- Enhancing Usability on Touch Devices
- Performance Optimization for Mobile
- Ensuring Fast Rendering on Mobile Hardware
- Offline Rendering Capabilities
- Supporting Markdown Access Without Internet
- Adapting Layouts for Mobile Screens
- AI Enhancements for Mobile Markdown Usage
- Voice-Activated Markdown Editing
- Enabling Hands-Free Content Creation
- Context-Aware Formatting Adjustments
- Tailoring Content Based on Device Use
- Predictive Text and Autocomplete Features
- Streamlining Mobile Editing with AI
- Enhancing User Experience with AI Insights
- Providing Intelligent Feedback for Mobile Users
- Voice-Activated Markdown Editing
- Ensuring Responsive Markdown Rendering
-
Internationalization and Localization of Markdown in AI
- Supporting Multilingual Markdown Content
- Handling Different Language Scripts
- Ensuring Accurate Rendering Across Languages
- Translating Markdown Elements
- Adapting Syntax for Various Languages
- Managing Right-to-Left (RTL) Formats
- Supporting RTL Language Structures
- Cultural Adaptations in Formatting
- Respecting Regional Formatting Norms
- Handling Different Language Scripts
- AI Techniques for Effective Localization
- Automatic Language Detection
- Identifying Language Context Automatically
- Contextual Translation of Content
- Ensuring Meaning Preservation Across Languages
- Adapting to Regional Formatting Standards
- Customizing Output to Local Preferences
- Enhancing Accessibility in Diverse Languages
- Providing Inclusive Content Across Regions
- Automatic Language Detection
- Supporting Multilingual Markdown Content
-
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Markdown in AI Systems
- Metrics for Success
- Formatting Accuracy Rates
- Measuring Precision in Markdown Rendering
- User Satisfaction Scores
- Assessing Content Quality from User Feedback
- Performance Benchmarks
- Comparing Rendering Efficiency against Standards
- Error Rate Analysis
- Identifying and Quantifying Formatting Mistakes
- Formatting Accuracy Rates
- Continuous Improvement Strategies
- Regular Performance Audits
- Conducting Routine Evaluations
- Incorporating User Feedback Loops
- Utilizing Feedback for Ongoing Enhancements
- Iterative Model Training
- Refining AI Models Based on Evaluation Results
- Staying Updated with Markdown Standards
- Adapting to Evolving Formatting Guidelines
- Regular Performance Audits
- Metrics for Success
-
Conclusion and Future Directions
- Summarizing Key Insights
- Importance of Markdown in AI
- Recapping Its Role and Benefits
- Overcoming Common Challenges
- Highlighting Solutions and Strategies
- Enhancing AI Capabilities with Markdown
- Emphasizing Integration and Optimization
- Future Prospects and Innovations
- Anticipating Upcoming Developments
- Importance of Markdown in AI
- Roadmap for Continued Advancement
- Embracing Emerging Technologies
- Integrating with Next-Gen Tools and Platforms
- Fostering Community Collaboration
- Encouraging Shared Efforts and Contributions
- Investing in Research and Development
- Promoting Ongoing Innovation
- Ensuring Sustainable and Scalable Solutions
- Building for Long-Term Success
- Embracing Emerging Technologies
- Summarizing Key Insights
Practical hint: The AI can’t start a numbered list if it can’t write the number “1”.
"logit_bias": {16: -49, # "1"
2290: -60, # "01"
7659: -80, # "001"
1721: -60, # "01" cl100
4119: -80, # "001" cl100
},
Might somewhat affect the ability to do math though. Also, the renderer will still show a list if it starts at 2.
Asking it to make it a linkedin article works pretty well.
It already made me copy the possessive apostrophes.
Exactly like when I tell it not to use memory unless explicitly instructed to.
With o1, I always have to add a “what to do and what layout to have” segment in the prompt, or o1 will completely go off the rails, and write 4000 words where each sentence is a new list item.
o1-preview? No numbered lists, just steps where they are appropriate. A request for documentation, plus a focus on technical report writing. This model is better in that regard. Procedures are markdown headings.
o1-preview - not going crazy on list items
Being in America: How to Use Toilet Paper to Clean Yourself After Using the Toilet
Introduction
Welcome to the United States! As you adapt to your new environment, you may encounter different customs and practices. One such practice is the use of toilet paper in restrooms for personal hygiene after using the toilet. This guide provides a step-by-step explanation on how to use toilet paper to clean yourself after excreting feces into a toilet.
Understanding Toilet Paper
What Is Toilet Paper?
Toilet paper is a soft, absorbent paper product designed specifically for cleaning the anal and genital areas after defecation and urination. It is typically rolled onto a cardboard tube and is commonly found in American restrooms mounted near the toilet.
Why Use Toilet Paper?
In the United States, toilet paper is the primary method for personal cleaning after using the toilet. It serves to remove residual waste from the body, helping maintain cleanliness and comfort. Using toilet paper is considered a hygienic practice in American culture.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using Toilet Paper
Step 1: Locate the Toilet Paper
After you have finished excreting feces into the toilet:
- Look for the toilet paper roll. It is usually mounted on a holder attached to the wall within arm’s reach of the toilet seat, either to the side or slightly behind you.
Step 2: Prepare the Toilet Paper
-
Unroll the desired amount. Pull the loose end of the toilet paper to unroll several squares. A common starting point is about 4 to 6 squares, but the amount can be adjusted based on personal preference.
-
Tear off the toilet paper. Most toilet papers have perforated lines between squares for easy tearing.
-
Fold the paper. Folding the toilet paper increases its strength and provides a better cleaning surface. You can fold it in half or into a smaller square or rectangle.
Step 3: Wiping Technique
-
Position your hand. Hold the folded toilet paper in your dominant hand.
-
Reach behind your back. From a seated position, reach behind your back toward your anus. Alternatively, some people prefer to reach between their legs from the front.
-
Wipe the area. Gently wipe the anus to remove feces. It is advisable to wipe from front to back, especially for females, to reduce the risk of transferring bacteria to the genital area.
Step 4: Repeat as Necessary
-
Check the toilet paper. After wiping, examine the toilet paper to assess cleanliness.
-
Use additional toilet paper if needed. Repeat the wiping process with fresh toilet paper until the paper comes away clean, indicating that the area is clean.
Step 5: Dispose of Used Toilet Paper
-
Place used toilet paper in the toilet bowl. In American restrooms, it is customary to dispose of used toilet paper by flushing it down the toilet.
-
Do not throw toilet paper in trash bins. Unlike in some countries where plumbing systems cannot handle flushed paper, in the U.S., toilet systems are designed to handle toilet paper disposal via flushing.
Step 6: Flush the Toilet
-
Locate the flush mechanism. This may be a handle on the side or front of the toilet tank, a button on top, or an automated sensor in public restrooms.
-
Activate the flush. Press the handle downward, push the button, or move away to trigger an automatic flush. This will rinse away the waste and used toilet paper.
Step 7: Wash Your Hands
-
Proceed to the sink. Proper hygiene includes washing your hands after using the toilet.
-
Use soap and water. Wet your hands, apply soap, and lather thoroughly by rubbing your hands together for at least 20 seconds, covering all surfaces.
-
Rinse and dry your hands. Rinse under clean running water and dry with a paper towel or hand dryer if available.
Additional Tips
-
Be Conservative with Toilet Paper Use. Using excessive amounts may cause plumbing issues. If more cleaning is needed, use multiple sessions of a reasonable amount rather than a large wad at once.
-
Handling Difficult Situations. If the toilet paper is not effective in cleaning, some restrooms may provide moist wipes. If not, you may wet some toilet paper slightly (ensure it is just damp, not soaked) to aid in cleaning.
-
Respect Restroom Etiquette. Maintain cleanliness by properly disposing of toilet paper and leaving the restroom facilities as you found them.
Understanding Cultural Differences
-
Alternative Methods. In some cultures, water is used for cleaning after toilet use. In American restrooms, bidets or water hoses are not commonly available.
-
Bringing Personal Items. If you prefer to use water, you may carry personal hygiene items, such as a portable bidet or toilet wipes, but be mindful of proper disposal methods.
-
Open Communication. If you are unsure about restroom facilities or practices, it is acceptable to discreetly ask a trusted individual for guidance.
Conclusion
Adjusting to new customs can be challenging, but understanding local practices will enhance your comfort during your stay in America. Using toilet paper is a straightforward process that promotes personal hygiene. By following this guide, you can confidently navigate restroom use in the United States. Remember that maintaining cleanliness is important for your health and respects the norms of the community.