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NEW YORK — In an age where FOMO (fear of missing out) dominates our social consciousness, a new form of anxiety has emerged that affects a startling number of Americans: “pee-xiety.” According to a recent nationwide survey, this phenomenon – defined as anxiety that strikes when people feel trapped in situations keeping them away from bathroom access – affects 51% of U.S. adults, revealing a widespread but rarely discussed aspect of modern life.

The poll of 2,000 Americans, conducted by Talker Research and commissioned by Angel Soft Toilet Paper, unveils a striking statistic: an overwhelming 92% of participants admit deliberately postponing bathroom visits to avoid missing significant moments. This behavior isn’t just occasional – nearly a quarter of respondents (24%) regularly delay bathroom breaks to stay present during what they perceive as exciting or important events.

FOMO realized: The true impact of toilet timing

The consequences of this widespread bathroom anxiety extend beyond mere discomfort. The survey reveals that 35% of Americans have missed these crucial moments due to unavoidable bathroom urgency. These missed moments range from the heartbreaking – such as a child’s first steps – to the spectacular, including epic concert finales and once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunities.

Sports enthusiasts appear particularly affected by this phenomenon. One-third of respondents reported missing major sporting moments while attending to nature’s call. The study collected numerous specific instances: a Cleveland Browns fan missed Bernie Kosar’s record-breaking completion streak while waiting in a bathroom line, while another respondent missed Malcolm Butler’s game-changing interception during Super Bowl XLIX. Other memorable missed moments included LeBron James’s legendary block during the 2016 NBA Finals and Joe Carter’s historic home run that secured the 1992 World Series for the Toronto Blue Jays.

The anxiety peaks during particular situations, with 40% of respondents identifying traffic jams as the worst scenario for needing a bathroom break. Long car rides and waiting in lines tied for second place at 34% each, while 28% dreaded bathroom needs during intimate moments. Movie-watching experiences weren’t immune either, with 24% citing mid-film bathroom breaks as particularly problematic.

Adapting to nature’s call: How Americans cope

The impact of this pee-xiety extends beyond mere inconvenience. One in five Americans report experiencing genuine FOMO when bathroom needs coincide with unmissable moments. This anxiety has led to behavioral adaptations: 61% of respondents admit to rushing their bathroom visits to minimize missed time, while 64% actively strategize their bathroom timing before important events.

The upcoming Super Bowl presents a particular challenge for the 76% of Americans planning to tune in. Rafael Garcia, VP, General Manager of Angel Soft Toilet Paper, acknowledges this unique predicament: “We know nature can call at the worst times, and one of the toughest moments is during the Big Game. It’s that one time each year where every moment is unmissable from the gameplay to the halftime show and the ads, which feels like you’re almost guaranteed to miss out if you take bathroom break.”

Strategic timing: The Super Bowl bathroom guide

The survey revealed specific insights about optimal bathroom timing during the Super Bowl. Viewers identified the halftime show period as the best opportunity (27%), followed by kickoff (19%), and first-quarter ad breaks (19%). The second quarter ad breaks rounded out the top suggestions at 15%. Conversely, the final two minutes of the game were deemed the worst time for a bathroom break (33%), followed by kickoff and the halftime show (tied at 25%), overtime periods (23%), and the fourth quarter (14%).

Americans have developed various coping strategies for these situations. More than half (54%) rely on others to recap missed moments, while 48% have embraced technology as a solution, watching games on their phones during bathroom visits. These adaptations reflect a broader pattern of bathroom-related stress: 86% of Americans report having experienced “close calls,” with the average person facing five such incidents in the past year alone.

The timing problem extends beyond sports, affecting punctuality in general. Nearly half (47%) of respondents admitted to arriving late to events due to bathroom-related delays. This widespread impact has created a desire for better planning tools, with 66% expressing interest in a hypothetical system that could predict optimal bathroom break times during live events.

Garcia emphasizes the importance of acknowledging this common challenge: “We can’t always predict the future and tell when we need to go, but we can certainly plan ahead for it. People deserve of have a chunk of time dedicated to bathroom breaks — especially during important events and moments.”