the three flush rule.

Etiquette is important around the globe. Everywhere you go, rules and etiquette are applied to every meeting, dinner or date.

For instance, in Germany, you are to wait for your host or hostess to introduce you to a group. Or in Thailand, wrapping gifts attractively is key: bows and ribbons add to the festivity. And in Spain, men use a two-handed shake instead of using one hand.

In the United States, we have plenty of customs and etiquette from gift giving to business meetings and communications to manners at the dinner table.

But there is one unspoken rule, one secret etiquette that most people don't know of. I call it:

THE THREE FLUSH RULE.

(For those of you who have no problem going number two in your local public restroom, this one is for all of you.)

Here’s the scenario:

You’re at your local TJ Maxx, grocery store or Sports Authority and you’ve suddenly realized you have to pee. So you make your way to the bathrooms, find an open stall and once you’ve squatted (or leaned), you notice you’re not the only person who’s occupying a stall. Sure, your idea is to “get in, get out”, but this individual has been hogging the john for quite some time now and you can smell it.

You are disgusted, quickly finish and dash out of the restroom without even washing your hands. (You’re gross.)

Or maybe it’s YOU; you’re the one who’s trying to pinch one off without being noticed by the bathroom traffic in your local CVS.

Solution: The three flush rule.

This situation could have been fully avoided if the person occupying the "Porcelain Throne" would have used this piece of etiquette.

It works like so: If you're in a public restroom and you have to go number two, you flush once to make noise (If you are a lady, you totally know what I'm talking about). You flush a second time in order to get rid of the awful stench (and continue making noise) and the last flush is used as a finale flush, the final flush of all.

It's that simple! And by using this tidbit of public bathroom etiquette you are being considerate of those noses around you AND you avoid public bathroom embarrassment! (And we all know what that embarrassment entails.)

So, fork placement at the dinner table may be important. Greeting a new business associate is probably crucial. But using the three flush rule will significantly change your life.

So please, the next time you or a loved one makes their way to the lavatory, help them to avoid a public restroom faux pas and remind them of the three flush rule.