By tearing a ketchup packet down vertically instead of horizontally, you'll prevent a mess while getting a little personal pouch full of ketchup to dunk your fries into.

Instead of tearing at the dotted or marked corner in one quick horizontal jerk, tear it along the side in one long vertical rip.

Pinch the edge you're tearing, and rip the packet slowly and firmly without being too rough to avoid it splattering on your hands, face, or clothes.

You'll open up the ketchup packet to resemble a pouch or wallet shape, perfect for dispensing an enormous amount of ketchup at once or dipping your fries without making a mess.