Table Manners
By: Michelle Falchenberg
Dining can be an ordeal for either party if one does not know the little “etiquettes” to follow when dining.
First, make sure you make reservations before hand, especially if dining at a fancy or popular restaurant. It will be an unforgettable embarrassment showing up with your date only to be shoved away or having to wait (for maybe hours) because there are no available tables. Not being prepared will definitely make a bad impression. Also be sure to check out the restaurants dress code and dress appropriately and make sure to pass it on to your date.
Now, for the actual dining experience. Please, the worst date is the one who latterly pours the food down his/her mouth as if they haven’t eaten for days. Another point to remember is don’t chew your food with your mouth open. Who wants to see your food being prepared to enter your digestive system, not to mention having food droplets splatting in their face across the table! Some people have a habit of eating to fast, but try to consciously pace your speed and count approximately 12 seconds between each spoonful. This way you won’t end up finishing your meal and putting your date in an awkward position to try and catch up with you!
Keep your attention to your date and if anything is needed you should be the one to call the waiters attention. When aiming for the waiters’ attention be tactful and subtly waive him/her over, no need for loudness or waiving of hands high above your head.
Please remember, place your napkin on your lap, do not tuck! No tucking into your pants and no tucking to your collar like a bib for a 3yr old at the dinner table!
DO NOT pick your teeth with your fingers, fork or toothpick, if you get food stuck between your teeth, excuse yourself, go to the bathroom and by all means, get it out which ever way you feel deemed right! Hey…she/he ain’t looking!
If you follow these few easy guidelines, you should be able to walk away from your date with no embarrassing moments under your belt, no worries about being the topic of a crude girls gossiping night, believe me you do not want to be the topic of such event, and confident enough to go for your next dining experience!