To allow visitors to exercise their right to Silent Observation (Rule #297), the House Boy is prohibited from beginning or soliciting conversation with any guest or visitor while the House Boy is showering or bathing, including unsolicited conversation during prep duties like setting water temperature or pressure or during aftercare including drying himself off.

long text

The House Boy is required to serve while naked at home but is loaned clothing or covering sufficient to comply with dress codes when traveling off the property. He sleeps in a bedroom without a door and generally isn’t permitted to close the bathroom door while bathing, urinating, or cleaning. This allows for periodic supervision and keeps the House Boy on task while discouraging inappropriate activities like Unauthorized Masturbation (See Index, Rule #332A) or slow-walking his duties and chores. The Bathroom Light (See Index, Rule #45B) must be illuminated while he is inside unless there is sufficient natural light, and the House Boy is responsible for following all bathroom protocols regarding washing, drying, use of towels, and cleanup. 

Bathroom protocol prohibits any House Boy from the beginning or soliciting conversation with a guest or visitor while showering or bathing. This includes conversation during prep duties like setting water temperature or pressure, and during aftercare including drying himself off. Any attempt to begin conversation efforts without good reason is considered inappropriate, since a visitor may simply wish to exercise their right to Silent Observation (See Index, Rule #297). Exceptions are permitted only in an emergency or when another rule permits conversation for a specific purpose. 

When a visitor does speak first to a House Boy who is showering or bathing (including prep duties and drying off), the House Boy is allowed to respond politely and honestly and to continue the conversation unless instructed otherwise. Since the Master and visitors have priority for use of bathroom facilities, the House Boy may be required to vacate or share accommodations if so instructed, even if this means exiting the room naked and wet with a house full of guests. This also means that others technically have the right to adjust the temperature or pressure of shared facilities, and the right to use or remove towels and other bathroom supplies when needed. 

In the example photo, a female visitor offers to help the Master supervise a showering House Boy to make sure that protocol is being followed. She doesn’t want to distract the House Boy from his assigned activity, and remains silent as he lathers and rinses his body parts. Since she doesn’t choose to invite or begin conversation efforts, the House Boy would be subject to discipline if he chooses to interrupt the silence. 

The two-word phrases Excuse Me or I’m Sorry will not be considered violations of the Conversation Restrictions if spontaneously uttered by a House Boy who crosses paths with someone while entering or exiting the bathroom, shower, or tub bath.

long text

Rule 311A-B — Conversation Restrictions (Showering or Bathing)
Classified: Washing and Grooming
Additional Classified: Showering and Bathing
Published as: Rule #311 — Conversation Restrictions