TABLE MANNERS THAT MANY PEOPLE FORGET

By Femi Akinpelu Joseph

It is generally known rule that there are manners that people have to exhibit when eating meals at a table.  
 

Table manners are the rules of etiquette used while eating, which may also include the appropriate use of utensils. Each family or group sets its own standards for how strictly these rules are to be enforced.

Many Nigerians, however, tend not to regard these rules and manners, most times during meals. Here are some of the table manners that are usually forgotten about, or just neglected to follow by many people.

·         In religious households, a family meal may commence with saying a grace, or at dinner parties. The guests might begin the meal by offering some favorable comments on the food and thanks to the host.

·         In a group dining situation it is impolite to begin eating before all the group have been served their food and are ready to start.

·         Food should always be chewed with the mouth closed.

 

·         Your knife must never enter your mouth or be licked.

·         Talking with food in your mouth is seen as very rude.

·         Licking one's fingers while eating can also be considered not polite.

·         Eating at a medium pace is important as eating too slowly may imply dislike of the food and eating too quickly is rude.

·         It is also rude to slurp food, eat noisily or make noise with the cutlery. Generally it is not acceptable to burp (belch) or spit.

·         At family meals, children are often expected to ask permission to leave the table at the end of the meal.

·         Phones and other distracting items like books and newspapers should not be used at the dining table.

·         Urgent matters should be handled, after an apology, by stepping away from the table.

·         Watching of television should be suspended until after the meal.

·         There should always be water made available at every meal table.

·         Hand washing , both before sitting at a table and after eating, is important. Cleaning with cloth or paper tissue may be unhygienic.

With these highlighted points that relates to manners to be shown off at every meal table, it is believed that folks will have picked up some lessons to help them abide by the rules that guide taking a meal at the table.