Hi shy poopers. Me again So I've been reading a book called Ina May's Guide To Childbirth and starting on page 425 she discusses "Sphincter Law". A lot of it could be things you already know from your own experience but it is amazing to read about the things that influence the relaxation of bodily sphincters (ranging from our thoughts, our emotions, the presence of strangers, the relaxation of our facial muscles etc). I highly recommend reading this chapter of her book (she is considered "the mother of authentic midwifery" and has a whole lifetime of experience in dealing with sphincters, including the cervix, anus and vaginal sphincters. So random to stumble across reassuring advice that makes us feel normal and authenticated in some of the troubles us shy poopers may face. Highly recommend having a little read of that chapter. Smiling/laughing while pooping, and also fully relaxing my facial muscles and blowing air through my mouth are some pieces of her advice that have helped me (not with pooping in public yet but just with having a more complete and satisfactory BM at home).