<p>Rather the more unfortunate, dear Leanid, is that you started this thread to lambast Americans for our lack of bidet usage, suggesting that Europeans, by comparison, are paragons of personal cleanliness. But then you proceeded to get huffy when someone pointed out that the perception of cleanliness (or lack thereof) can run in both directions. </p>
<p>Perhaps, if Americans were to make bidet usage a common practice, we would soon also adopt the perception that a small stream of water aimed “just so”, could be substituted for an daily allover shower (or bath) using both soap and considerably more water. ;)</p>
<p>I must be the only one who noticed the adjustable “massage feature” on the Japanese bidet. I guess if you get the setting just right, you could find yourself upon the bidet for extended, if not exhilirating “sittings” !</p>
<p>Good thing it runs on electricity and not batteries!</p>
<p>poet - Please read my last post, before the one I addressed to you, so that you will see I did not “get huffy” – nor did I ever say (or imply) that using a bidet substitutes for good overall hygiene. I merely pointed out that the area which is in MOST need (besides the hands) of meticulous cleanliness is the one most neglected, except when the average American bathes. </p>
<p>Now, if you were to tell me that bathing somehow always follows a movement, and therefore bidets are not needed, I would feel sorry for you, for you would be delusional. You are not going to try to convince me of that now, are you?</p>
<p>Ick, just ick. Can someone start something less yucky? Maybe an earwax thread? I know, I know, I didn’t have to click on this thread. It’s my fault for intruding. Please ignore me, I’m going back to the political threads Just forget it, you never saw me here…</p>