Manners
 Do I wait for everyone to begin eating before I begin to when in a restaurant?Cindy's answer: Yes, this is standard. If the person waiting the longest encourages the table to begin and the table agrees then by all means begin. It would be gracious to offer a portion of your dish to the person waiting so they can begin too.Sally's answer: Always wait for all the meals to be served before you begin eating. If your dinner is taking longer than everyone else, you can tell them to start without you. If someone else is waiting, wait for them to be gracious and tell you to start. Don't worry, no one ever died of eating cold food!Michele's answer: YES! If one meal is taking a really long time and the person tells you to go ahead and start, it's OK. Otherwise, wait.Joanna's answer: I had always heard that "when 3 or more are served...". I do tend to wait until all are served. When some one is waiting forever in a restaurant for their meal to come it is always considerate to tell the rest of the group to begin without you. |
I am invited to a seder for Passover but I am not Jewish, is it impolite to excuse myself from the prayers? Cindy's answer: Do what you feel is true to yourself. I am not Jewish but since Jesus was as a Christian I see no problem with praying along...but it's probably in Hebrew so mazel tov. Sally's answer: I agree with Cindy, I'm not sure what goes on at a seder but I'm sure it's a loving and appreciative experience so enjoy it. Michele's answer: Why? A prayer is a prayer to whatever higher being you do or don't believe in. Quite honestly, if you were invited it's because these people care for you. You want to be rude and call attention to your differences? Just listen and try to appreciate how lucky you are to have this opportunity. Joanna's answer: Every experience is a learning one. It is always good to learn more about different traditions and religions. We live in a diverse world and we can benefit by sharing and exchanging ... |
Is it tacky to take home a doggie bag on a date? Sally's answer: Let the food go-hopefully the date was better than the left-overs! Michele's answer: I don't think so. If your date paid for the meal ask them if they want the left-overs before you take off with them, If not, ask if they mind you taking them home. If you are in a nice restaurant, you might even leave with a tin-foil swan. And if the date goes really well, you might want to share them in the morning. Joanna's answer: I think it is fine to take a doggie bag home. Sometimes when you are anxious on a first date and talking more than eating, there is a lot left over. It is great not to waste... especially if you have something that you can use as left overs. Offer it to the date if they paid. A nice rare piece of prime rib should not go to waste ... . Neither a chicken piccatta or eggplant parmesan . |
My roommate has terrible table manners, what should I do? Cindy's answer: Avoid eating with them first of all since they can easily put a damper on enjoying your meal. If you must try sitting in the same direction as them so you can't see them... Sally's answer: The homecoming queen (you know who you are) at my school was a beautiful, nice, smart girl but OMG did she have terrible table manners. It was like looking at a train wreck, you couldn't help it. Your roommate probably didn't have a parent who insisted upon having nice table manners and you really don't want to become their parent. Just keep doing the right thing and maybe they'll pick it up but if you really can't stand it you might want to suggest they close their months when they chew! Joanna's answer: Whether they have bad manners or just an obnoxious way of chewing and breathing , it is hard to "teach " some one manners without insulting their behavior .If is a boyfriend or girlfriend then you will find it important and you can help them know that you want to help them be their best selves ... you have something at stake . If it is just a room mate / friend , then just try to be patient . When you are in a bad mood it will bother you more , so seek privacy and leave them to eat alone . |
On the first date is it always the guys who pays? Cindy's answer: Sorry guys... but this seems to be a locked in tradition and carries with it a sentiment of interest. The treating on the first date signals that this is different than just friends. If you can't afford it, be creative and romantic...a picnic for example.Sally's answer: It's polite for the person asking to pay or offer to pay. If you feel the person really can't afford the date, maybe you can suggest something like a free concert in the park or to split the tab.Michele's answer: I think, that a girl may be the one to ask the guy on a first date. If that is so, she might get tickets in advance or intend to pay for whatever she has planned. Yes, traditionally, the guy does the asking and the paying but if the girls has taken the lead, I think she also take the responsibility of paying.Joanna's answer: Yes , this is a new world and men don't have to be the pursuers . Dating is an equal opportunity situation . I don't think it is understood that if you are doing the inviting , then you are paying . It is always nice to split the check or if the person who initiated offers right away , then graciously accept .... maybe you get the next one . |
What if I have a friend visiting from out of town and I'm invited to a party, should I bring them to the party? Cindy's answer: You should ask the host of the party. You might say you simply sorry you don't think you can make it because you have an out of town friend visiting....this way the host can chose to invite them or not without being put too much on the spot.Sally's answer: Ditto, Cyn's answer. Usually the host will extend the invitation unless its a sit down dinner party or some type of formal affair, which if that's the case maybe the friend should visit on another date.Joanna's answer: Please don't invite them yourself , but wait until the host suggests it . " oh I am sorry I can't make it because I have an out of town friend coming this weekend " and then " oh please bring them along " or " then maybe I will be sure to include you next time " . |
What's the correct way to cut up food on your plate while out to dinner? Cindy's answer: If you are right handed....put your fork turned on the flat side in your left hand and place in food to keep stationary. Cut one or two pieces. Put down your knife at 10 and 2 o'clock on your dish...switch the fork into your right hand and eat. Repeat and enjoy!Sally's answer: Not all at once or you'll look like a child. Cut as you eat and remember to rest your fork and knife in between bites. Try not to put your elbows on the table while your eating and PLEASE close your mouth when you chew! (No talking and chewing either) |
Who orders first at a restaurant when you are on a date? Cindy's answer: Generally, the waiter will decide who to order first...if you are ready feel free to order. You can politely suggest someone else go first if you are not ready.Sally's answer: Usually the waiter/waitress looks at the women first to order but it is always polite to say go ahead to your partner.Joanna's answer: You can rely on the waiter or waitress to ask the woman first usually. When you are in a larger group, don't worry about it, but if you are just the two of you and are asked in a general way, the guy may want to ask the woman what she is ordering and then give his order. If you are ordering the wine and you haven't ordered your food yet, ask your date ( this goes both for men and women because women are often easy to step up and order wine for the table) what they think they are in the mood for, what they might be ordering, so that the wine you order compliments both your meals. |
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