...Well, kind of, at least. This column is about public restrooms. So while you're not technically exposing your privates to the world, you're certainly exposing them in a place that's not your home. Or your friendly local nudist colony.

When you use the facilities at home, you'd never think to walk out without flushing, right? Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to be nearly as automatic for many public restroom users. Maybe the increasingly-common automatically flushing toilets have spoiled us: we expect the toilets to flush automatically, even if they don't, and so we just exit the stalls without thinking. To be a courteous public restroom user, make sure the toilet you were using flushes before you exit the stall: either wait for the auto-flush or flush the toilet yourself. The next person in after you does not need to see what you did behind the closed door.

Likewise, they don't really need to hear it. It's not that you shouldn't, or can't, make noises if you need to. (Let's face it: sometimes, you can't avoid it.) But if you find yourself in such a situation, you might want to wait for the restroom to clear a little before you emerge from your stall. This isn't etiquette so much as something to spare you not a little embarrassment, because how would you feel if, after your noisy potty break, you went to wash your hands at the sink next to the one your boss is using? Your boss would know exactly what you were doing in there – and probably wouldn't forget it. He'll probably think twice before shaking your hand the next time, too...

In the event that the toilet you were using becomes clogged (hey, it happens!), you should tell an employee at the establishment whose facilities you're using. You don't have to admit that you were responsible for the clog. You just need to be a good Samaritan and tell the employee that one exists. (Ditto for letting them know if the restroom is out of toilet paper, paper towels, or soap, or has an overflowing trash bin, etc.) Employees may hate you for letting them know, but other patrons will be grateful that help is on the way, in the form of a plunger, a garbage bag, or a roll of toilet paper.

When using a unisex restroom that doesn't have a urinal, you should be especially aware of the state in which you leave the toilet seat. Gentlemen, this means putting the seat down once you're done. And also making sure that you, um, stay on target. And ladies, this means making sure that the seat is dry when you're done: men have to touch it so that they can put it up. Urine is technically sterile, but would you want to put your hand in it?

Ultimately, it's up to you to remember that you are using a public restroom. You wouldn't want someone else to make a mess before you use it, so you shouldn't leave a mess for someone else.