Right or Wrong? Table manners

Posted: 1/20/06

RIGHT OR WRONG?
Table manners

I work with a company that does quite a bit of business with clients through lunches and dinners. I realized I may not be at the top of the game on table manners. But, really, does etiquette have anything to do with the way I do my work?

When it comes to table manners, everyone occasionally makes a mistake. We've all taken a roll before offering the basket to someone else (yes, this is a dining etiquette faux pas) or passed the gravy bowl the wrong direction (you should pass items to the right, or counter-clockwise). That being said, everyone's occasional table-manners blunder is no excuse for being completely uncouth during dinner. It is relatively simple to search online for a few tips on dining etiquette or to check out a book from your local library to answer your questions. The next time you are entertaining clients or hosting guests for your company, you won't have to be caught off guard about what to do when you find a bit of gristle in your mouth.*

The bigger question is whether poor table manners and dining etiquette have anything to do with the way you conduct your business. This is the "Right or Wrong?" column after all, not "Ask Miss Manners." So, let's look at the question from another perspective.

If you were overseas dining in someone's home, wouldn't you want to avoid offending the person by using manners appropriate to the culture? For instance, no matter how many times your mother told you to clean your plate, when in Argentina, you would leave at least a bite or two to avoid being impolite. (See www.kwintessential.co.uk.) If you were a left-hander visiting Iran, you would take extra care to use only your right hand at dinner, since use of the left hand for eating is considered unsanitary. If we make the extra effort with our international friends, why would we want to give the impression to business partners, clients or guests that we are lazy or downright rude?

Certainly, your intention would not be rudeness, but table etiquette is not merely about observing a list of rules. There is more at stake than using the incorrect fork. Using proper etiquette gives an indication of respect and consideration for those with whom you dine. Despite an increasingly more casual culture, use of proper etiquette continues to communicate your level of respect and honor for your dining companions. In an age where e-mail and "Casual Friday" rule the day, many people lose credibility over things they deem insignificant, like sloppy grammar, untidy appearances and even poor etiquette.

The Apostle Paul, though he never commented on the use of the salad fork, was concerned about doing everything possible in order to maintain credibility for the sake of the gospel (1 Corinthians 9). As Christians, we should put forth our best effort in whatever we are called to do. Whether we are banking, teaching, repairing, farming, exercising or dining with clients, we live out our daily lives in service not only to people, but to our Lord Jesus Christ.

So, yes! Your table manners do make a difference in the way you do your work, whether you are dining in Africa, Europe, the Middle East or right here in Texas.

Emily Row, program coordinator

Texas Baptists Committed

San Angelo

*If you find you have put something in your mouth that you would prefer not to swallow (like gristle or a bone), use your utensil to retrieve the item from your mouth and discreetly place it on your bread plate or the edge of your dinner plate. I'm sorry to tell you that spitting the item into your napkin is not considered proper dining etiquette!

Right or Wrong? is sponsored by the T.B. Maston Chair of Christian Ethics at Hardin-Simmons University's Logsdon School of Theology. Send your questions about how to apply your faith to btillman@hsutx.edu.