DINING ETIQUETTE ON YOUR FIRST DATE

DINING ETIQUETTE ON YOUR FIRST DATE

·        Your mannerisms at the dining table are clues that reflect your personality.

·        Good table etiquette indicates a certain level of poise and sophistication.

·        Here are a few pointers to keep in mind when you’re on your first date.

1. ORDERING FOOD

·        It isn’t just another activity when you’re on a date.

·        So don’t bury your head in a menu.

·        Instead, focus on your main dish of the evening – your date.

·        It’s a time to test plate-sharing and taste-bud preferences.

2. WHEN FOOD ARRIVES

·        No matter how hungry you are, don’t gobble your food.

·        Otherwise, you’ll be staring at your date eating after your own meal.

·        Eat at a moderate pace so that you have time to talk too.

·        A good tip is to count 10 seconds between each mouthful.

3. WHILE EATING

·        Always place your napkin on your lap, and never use it as a bib.

·        Always keep your eyes on your date, and try to smile between mouthfuls.

·        Occasionally, show some interest and ask how the food is.

·        Never slurp liquids, smack your lips or chew with your mouth open.

·        Never talk and chew your food at the same time.

·        Don’t get up during your meal, except for the washroom or an urgent phone call.

·        Don’t keep your accessories on the table, but keep it on another empty chair.

4. FOODS TO AVOID ON YOUR FIRST DATE

·        Choose the right kind of food on your first date, as first impressions matter.

·        Stay away from certain foods to prevent gastric embarrassments.

·        To begin with, pick the right location for your first date.

·        Choose a coffee shop to break the ice, and order coffee and pastries.

·        A fancy meal may cause discomfort with crockery like knife and forks.

·        For dinner, choose a casual restaurant for your first date.

·        On a first date, always stick with relatively tidy fork food.

·        Avoid foods like

o   Sandwiches, pizzas and Spaghetti – messy and sticky in teeth

o   Soup – you could get caught making a slurping noise

o   Garlic and onion food – leaves a smelly and stinking breath later

·        Avoid alcohol, even if your date is comfortable with it.

·        If you really want to, limit yourself to a cocktail.

·        Binge drinking gives out the signal that you are nervous.

·        Getting drunk and losing control is definitely not a likable trait.

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