Passage 54. Dining Etiquette When Dating
Be sure to make reservations if the restaurant you chose is a fancy or popular one. It's very embarrassing to show up without reservations and having to wait for a table, leaving very bad impression on your date. Also, be sure to check to see if they have a dress code and tell your date in advance what to wear.
When your food arrives, proper dinning etiquette requires you to eat at a moderate pace so that you have time to talk. A good measure of how fast you should eat is to count 10 seconds between each mouthful and it's a bad dining etiquette if you gobble down your food and you spend the rest of the time watching your date eat. Don't slurp your soup, smack your lips, or chew with your mouth open. Nothing is more unsightly than watching someone talk and chew their food at the same time. Your napkin should be placed on your lap at all times. Don't tuck it into your belt or use it as a bib. If you have to get up, place it neatly on your seat. When eating, insert your fork straight in your mouth. Don't place your fork in the side of your mouth as it increases the chances of food sliding away, which could be very embarrassing. If you get food stuck in your mouth don't pick it out with your fingers or fork at the table. Excuse yourself and go to the restroom and get it out with a toothpick. When dinning, keep your eyes on your date at all times and try to smile between mouthfuls. Occasionally,you should make an effort to show some interest and ask questions like,"How do you like the beef?" If she needs anything, you are the one who is supposed to flag down the waiter by a gentle wave of the hand until someone notices you.