Photo by Jay Wennington
Plated Meal Service:
When your meal is served plated, you may begin to eat after everyone at your table has been served. You should not butter your bread, pick up utensils, season food or perform any other dining actions until then.
Buffet:
You may begin eating your meal after 50% of the guests at your table have returned from the buffet line.
Family Style:
Begin eating after all the food set on the table has been passed around the table to all the guests.
If you are fortunate to have a partner come to you and explain why he or she feels the relationship is not working and tells you it’s best to breakup, this is not an opportunity to start an argument. You need to respect your partner’s honesty and care for your feelings. A breakup is never easy and will bring heartbreak, but you need to be appreciative you’re not going to spend more of your time on someone who is not receptive to your emotional needs.
In most relationships, the point of the actual breakup is not a surprise. There were probably discussions or hints dropped indicating problems or concerns with the relationship prior to the actual breakup.
The best way to walk away from a relationship is with mutual respect. Apparently, there was mutual admiration between both partners to form the relationship in the first place. Why not continue a mutual respect for each other moving forward? Life is too short to harbor anger towards someone just because your romantic relationship was not meant to be. You have already invested a great deal of time getting to know one another, continue to support one another as you move forward in life.
Be grateful for the time together. Say, thank you, for the good times. Wish them all the best in the future. Move on to find the person you are truly meant to be with.
Sending a big THANK YOU to The Blade for including me in a recent article addressing etiquette during a pandemic.
Please click the link below to review the article.
Never begin a speech or sentence with, “I have to say”. You do not have to say anything.
Pay heed to the words in the self portrait of 17th century Italian Baroque painter, Salvatore Rosa, “Aut tace aut loquere meliora silento”. When translated means, “Be quiet, unless your speech be better than silence”.
Have you ever wondered why we pull out a lady’s chair as she is being seated at the dinner table?
This act of social etiquette stemmed from the days when the attire of high society women was so elaborate and restrictive, they needed assistance being seated at the table.
I think of comedic scene in the musical, “My Fair Lady”, when Eliza arrives at the Ascot Gavotte in a very form fitting gown and has to slide into her chair sideways because her gown did not allow her to sit down in a manner she was familiar with.
Most social attire worn today is not as restrictive as it was in days past unless it is a costume, but we still continue with the tradition of helping a lady with her chair as a demonstration of respect.
Eliza at the Ascot
If you are attending a wedding you are expected to go through the receiving line. This is a wonderful opportunity to wish the newlyweds well and share in their joyous celebration.
I frequently hear excuses such as, “I don’t want to wait in that long line” or “I’ve been invited by my date and don’t know anyone”.
You accepted the invitation to attend the wedding. Please accept the responsibility of helping the wedding couple, their families, and attendants share their joy with you. If you don’t know everyone in the line, take this opportunity to introduce yourself.
If you are a passenger in a vehicle, do not touch the stereo. Do not change the station, the volume, or the source.
You may only touch the stereo if the driver says, “Would you like to select the music?”, or any phrase similar.
In the event you come across a leprechaun on St. Patrick’s Day, it’s imperative you follow proper leprechaun protocol while interacting with the leprechaun. Not doing so, could mean many years of unwanted bad luck.
When meeting a leprechaun:
“May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow, And may trouble avoid you, wherever you go.” -Irish Blessing
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Pajamas should be worn in bed and while lounging at home.
Common Sense Etiquette: DO NOT wear PJ’s to the store, restaurant, gas station, school, or any other public place. Do not wear them in the car either. If you have car problems, you may have to get out of the car and step into public view.
Always show respect for yourself. Dress appropriately.
To all the men, women, and families who have served, thank you for your sacrifices; for protecting our families and freedom.
Today and everyday, we honor your service.
Happy Veterans Day!
