FOCUS : Table manners PLEASE!!

Not everyone is good company at the table. There are those who eat very fast or engage in mannerisms that shock others. As a growing person, you should aim to fit in at the table with people of various ages and backgrounds. It is a bad habit to heap your plate until it spills over and litters the table. It portrays a bad picture when you can’t finish all that food, while other people have not had enough to eat. And this is considering that no one will stop you from going for a second helping. If you create time during lunchtime and pay a visit to various restaurants around Kigali that offer buffets you will be utterly shocked with the amount of food that people serve themselves. In most instances these people don’t finish the food and end up messing themselves with stew all over their clothes and shoes. This unfortunate lack of table manners does not stop in public places only; they also go on to our homes. Even if you are a visitor, try a much as possible to conform to the culture of the hosts. Don’t wait to be served when everyone is serving himself or herself. Common sense will guide you on that. It is advisable to ask for the salt, stew or whatever you need to be passed to you. No one will appreciate it when you brush their bosom or spill stew on their clothes as you stretch your arm to reach the bowl of stew. While you are eating, don’t let your mind be preoccupied solely with chewing. Look around and find out if your neighbour needs you to pass him or her the salt. If there are bones in the meal, put them on a side plate or, if it is not provided, put them at the edge of your plate. If you are one of those teens who slurp tea or juice while swallowing and then belch loudly, it is high time you stopped. This can annoy your neighbours. When you are served, don’t start eating before everyone else has been served. Customarily, people say a prayer before they begin eating. Never forget to thank God for providing you with the food. Make sure you don’t eat while wearing a hat or cap. In addition, avoid chewing with your mouth open. Practice good table manners and delight yourself and those around you. dedantos2002@yahoo.com