You encounter a poor, zipper-challenged person in a public place. Should you say something? And if so, how? Here's a guide to the delicate art of the open-fly alert, compiled with the help of John Bridges, author of "How to be a Gentleman," and Curtrise Garner, author of "The New Rules of Etiquette: A Young Woman's Guide to Style and Poise at Work, at Home, and on the Town."
Step #1: SURVEY THE SCENE
Tell: If you're on a crowded bus, at work, at a party or other social gathering, then, prepare to deliver the bad news.
Don't tell: If there are a lot of people within earshot, see Step #3. If you're just passing someone on the street or at the grocery store, don't bother.
Step #2: DO YOU DO THE TELLING?
Generally, most people would rather be slightly mortified now than more mortified later, so assume they want to know. So go for it, but beware of these caveats:
Opposite gender: If the unzipped is a person of the opposite gender and he/she could be embarrassed by that, ask someone of the victim's same gender to deliver the news.
Boss: If it's the CEO of your company or a potential employer, it's probably best to feign ignorance and wait for someone else to tell.
Newly acquainted: Better to ask the person who introduced you to tell your target about his/her open fly.
Step #3: BREAKING THE NEWS
Pull them aside: Ideally, pull the person to the side or to a corner where he/she can make the fix, and tell them in a low whisper, "Your fly is unzipped" or, "I think you might want to check your fly."
Pass by: If you can't pull them to the side, pass by them and whisper in their ear that their fly is open. Do it quickly and don't make a big deal about it. Walk away.
If they laugh: Only then may you laugh at the situation.
If they're angry: Say, "Hey, I'm sorry, I was just trying to be helpful."