M24 14a9 9 0 0 1-18 0V8a1 1 0 0 1 1-1h16a1 1 0 0 1 1 1v6zm-9. Good manners will open doors that the best education cannot. Why Table Manners Matter As a young Marine Corps Officer, I was dumbfounded one afternoon when after training on the Mark19 we transitioned into a class on proper table manners. Taught by a petite older woman, the class ukraine dating etiquette the basics of dining etiquette.

We practiced these skills at various unit dinners over the next six months. At the time, I thought the classes were useless and a waste of my time. Whether dining with a 4 star general, toasting with a Medal of Honor recipient, or sitting with friends and family on Christmas Eve, an understanding of dining protocol makes time spent with others around a table more enjoyable. The Need for Better Dining Etiquette When I began to spend more time outside of military circles I noticed that many men had never been taught proper dining etiquette. I was amazed when I returned to graduate school and met people who were spending 100K on their education but were sabotaging their own interviews over a meal that they ate from their plate like a horse.

However, this constant observing and following does not allow you to relax and enjoy the evening. Yes, in the year 2010 we still have a problem with men chewing with their mouths wide open. And if you have something to say, refrain from filling your mouth the moment before. In order to recover if expected to speak, only put a single bite in your mouth at a time.

The days of stuffing your mouth with as much food as it can hold are over. You shouldn’t be leaning over your food, shoveling it into your mouth with a distance traveled of only 6 inches. Instead, sit straight, balance a single bite on the utensil of choice and bring it directly to your mouth. And never drink from your soup bowl. These small words are magic and should be used liberally.

Know Who You Are Dining with and the Setting As the Boy Scout Motto goes, be prepared. RSVP within 3 days of receiving an invitation, or if no invitation was sent ask what to expect and how many people will be in attendance. If you are visiting a person’s home, consider bringing a small gift such as flowers in a vase or a bottle of wine. Arrive on time, but not more than 10 minutes early as last minute preparations are always underway on the host’s end.