Table manners - What's important
Hi, Everyone
Basic table manners seem to be evaporating in society across all age groups.
I just wrote the below tips on table manners to give to a college student I have been mentoring.
The list is posted here in case you know someone young through family or work who could benefit from it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Table manners - what’s important
Following the below customs shows respect. Breaking them is offering insult.
These rules apply to all venues. In business situations, following them is a great way to impress higher-ups with maturity and consideration for others.
Never, never, never talk with food in your mouth.
It looks gross and you cannot tuck food out of site. Impossible. Plus you appear vain and controlling: you think what you have to say is more important than others feeling disgusted.
If you are asked a question, people will wait for your answer or move the conversation along without your reply.
Turn off cell phone.
Never bring a phone to the table. Leave it in your pocket or purse with power off. Check messages after meal and away from table.
Imbibe no more than 2 drinks with alcohol.
Beer and wine preferred. Mixed drinks with soda pop (such as Rum and Coke) are considered adolescent choices.
Cover mouth when sneezing or coughing.
If coughing / sneezing is persistent, leave the table.
Contribute to conversation.
If you usually don’t have much to say, take a look at the news before the meal. NYTimes.com is good.
Only take second helpings if the hostess/host offers.
And never ask to take home “leftovers.” But you may accept if offered by hostess/host. Don’t take home leftovers from restaurants.
Food you don’t like
Mess it about on the plate so it looks like you have eaten some.
No gum at dining table or anywhere else
Chewing gum is childish and gross to see - like talking with food in your mouth. If you chew gum to hide tobacco smell, use mints or breath strips.
The ONLY place you can acceptably chew gum is on an airplane. People understand you are dealing with ear pain.
Never pass something over the plate of someone else.
Some people say these customs don’t apply to friends and family.
I wonder why people treat friends and family worse than they treat others.