On my morning walk with the baby and the dog, I pass by the neighborhood coffee shop. This morning, a mid-fifties guy, well groomed and wearing pressed stone khakis and a tucked polo shirt with some company logo came out of the shop. We nodded hello, and as he was getting in his car, I noticed he had what could only be a shart stain on his britches. I thought, oh man, that would suck, and before I could really process through, he had gotten in his car, and was on his way.

So I got to thinking -- how to best handle that situation? Get his attention and say something like: "I hate to embarrass you, but you have a brown stain on the seat of your pants. I know I'd hate to go through my day not knowing that"? Or just let it go?

Personally, I would be horrified a) to have that happen, but as we all know, shit happens; and b) to have it pointed out to me. But then, better to catch it at 8:45 in the morning than later that night when you're shedding your clothes from a busy day of meeting folks.

No good deed goes unpunished...

Nope. Perhaps in a small town, not an urban setting. Not everyone reacts positively to such things.

I doubt that I would have noticed it.

quote:

Originally posted by Warhorse:
I doubt that I would have noticed it.

Don't think I would have noticed another man's butt either.

quote:

Originally posted by LS1 GTO:

quote:

Originally posted by Warhorse:
I doubt that I would have noticed it.

Don't think I would have noticed another man's butt either.

Winner winner chicken dinner!!!

I am a live and let live type. Unless you are obviously going to severely injure yourself or others, I let people do what they want to do.

quote:

Originally posted by ZSMICHAEL:
Nope. Perhaps in a small town, not an urban setting. Not everyone reacts positively to such things.

This part of BR is basically it's own small town.

quote:

Originally posted by LS1 GTO:

quote:

Originally posted by Warhorse:
I doubt that I would have noticed it.

Don't think I would have noticed another man's butt either.

What I meant, butt I was being tactful.

I would thank someone who told me. Better the a little embarrassment with a stranger versus the total embarrassment in front of co-workers or other similar.

quote:

Originally posted by LS1 GTO:

quote:

Originally posted by Warhorse:
I doubt that I would have noticed it.

Don't think I would have noticed another man's butt either.

Well, it was pretty hard to miss. And I find it interesting that a group of people who are constantly decrying the ubiquitous nose in the phone and complaining about the general lack of situational awareness would proclaim that they don't actually pay attention to what's around them when out for a walk

You KNOW it's a rough bunch here...if you weren't aware of that before, you are now.

quote:

Originally posted by Warhorse:
You KNOW it's a rough bunch here...if you weren't aware of that before, you are now.

But, butt - argg

Wait, wut? Lol

The situation at hand would probably dictate whether I say anything or not. In your case, I think i would've quickly said something.

Not a stranger, but I was in a conference room meeting with 20 or so executives and attorneys. The SVP of a major corporation, an attractive woman executive, wearing a white skirt had a fresh blood stain on her skirt. I discretely let her know. She ended up borrowing a skirt from one of the administrative assistants. She was embarrassed, but would have been mortified had she not had the opportunity to deal with the problem before it got worse or more attention.

I would have mentioned it if the opportunity presented itself.

It’s the Jerkwater code of ethics.

quote:

Originally posted by RHINOWSO:
No good deed goes unpunished...

Agreed.

This is one of those instances where how you say it and the context in which you say it makes or breaks the conversation.

It sounds like the guy cares about his appearance (OP said "well groomed and wearing pressed stone khakis and a tucked polo shirt") so will likely turn the convo from being kind to being an ass if you:

try to be cute/funny and use slang or euphemisms

say it where other people can overhear

Get the guy off to the side (i.e. no one can overhear) and politely point it out in plain English.

---

Ego is the anesthesia that deadens the pain of stupidity

DISCLAIMER: These are the author's own personal views and do not represent the views of the author's employer.

As a fyi, it may have been as innocent as chocolate. In the past while partaking in eating while driving, I have had chocolate from a candy bar fall onto the seat and ultimately onto pants seat. Saw it on the truck seat and was horrified that I had an accident without knowing, then oddly relieved when it turned out to be chocolate. Wet wipes to the rescue...

Perhap, "hey, nice shirt, but I notice a stain on your pants." Let the sort out the rest...

quote:

Originally posted by Warhorse:
I doubt that I would have noticed it.

Yeah but you wouldn’t have noticed his Stone wash khakis or fabulous Polo shirt you caveman.

I wouldn't have said shit.