Fly's the Limit

Dear Alisa and Gina,

Should you say something when your boss's fly is unzipped, or let him find  out for himself later, after he has greeted the whole office? This happens a couple times a week and it's embarrassing for everyone involved. Please help! ~ Fed Up Receptionist

I totally understand that this is a really uncomfortable situation. So this is what I'd suggest. You need to set up a time with your boss - when there isn't an audience. Let him know that this is a very frequent occurrence. He may be more embarrassed than you are; more than likely he'll be grateful. You might even make a joke and see if there's a code you can have to remind him. ~ Alisa

How awkward a moment the wardrobe malfunction causes. The wayward bra strap, the slipped slip, the gaping blouse, the unzipped fly. And how fervently we wish the offender/victim would only notice it him or herself so we wouldn't have to avert our eyes and try to save them from their own grooming errors. Alas, it is up to us to intervene - but how? A brief comment can work, preferably from another man. Or, if that's not possible, I like the low-voiced "Ahem" to get their attention, and gentle gesture - pointing at oneself to mimic what they need to do. 

 

But what I find so curious here is that you mention that it happens a couple of times a week. A couple of times a week?!? This isn't an incident, this is more frequent than a status meeting. So maybe this man is aware on some level that he leaves his fly unzipped. Or, he's so clueless that he's leaving a lot of things undone, and this is just one of the outward manifestations. Hmmm. Well, try Alisa's and/or my suggestions. Then, if the problem continues, write back and we’ll talk more. ~ Gina