My lady housemates explained the logic of this.
If I (a bloke) didn't live there, then they would never have to touch the seat. Ever. It would always be down.

But seeing as my presence in the house meant the seat would go up and down, then it was my duty to ensure they never suffered from my actions, and could go about their business as they always had.

I had no argument against this, much to my chagrin.
( Wet-chinned bag shanker Cannot parse Wogan, Thu 19 Feb 2009, 13:58, 2 replies)

In that case...
...if they didn't live there, you'd be able to wander into the rooms they are currently occupying with no thought of their state of undress. Why should you avert your eyes just because they happen to be in your field of vision?

On a more useful note, you are now able to turn this argument back on them every time they do anything which affects you in any way.
(ThomsonsPier consumes, Thu 19 Feb 2009, 14:27, closed)

I would also add...
...that if they didn't live there, then the kitchen would always be free for him to use, so every time they use the kitchen and he wants to eat he will be suffering from their actions because he cannot cook his tea whilst they are cooking theirs, thus going hungry. So they should always cook for him if they are cooking for themselves and he is hungry.

I like this, but there is a fatal flaw. You're assuming women can be reasoned with, which I think you'll find is impossible.
(Brigadier Arthur Charles, Mrs, Thu 19 Feb 2009, 18:26, closed)

Polite vs. Rude
If you're all paying rent, you're each entitled equally. In your position I'd say that you let them know it'd be POLITE of you to try and leave it down for their sake, but RUDE of them to be upset if you don't.

Why? Because you shouldn't apologize for your sex. Nor should you be made to feel as though you have to. And they shouldn't feel entitled on account of their sex, either. "Women and children first" is the same sentiment that prohibits women from being the captain.

And tell them you got all this from someone with a degree in Women's Studies (not that this isn't common sense, but the degree means I can expand all this to several pages and use big fancy words).
(jessemoya, Fri 20 Feb 2009, 6:03, closed)