Col Rajiv Kapoor, SATA Wing
It may appear very petty to read but certain syllables of body language or vocal words convey some very negative signals.
- Rushing for a dinner plate while ladies, elders or even small children are waiting.
- When a plate of snacks / eatables is offered, picking up the biggest piece (pieces). The etiquette is to pick up the nearest piece.
- After dinner using a tooth pick (or worse a finger) in full public view.
- In a sitting dinner it is bad etiquette to put elbows on the table. In medieval times it was to ensure that a guest did not suddenly take out a dagger while eating. However, today it is considered an aesthetic social norm. Also not only do you reduce eating space, you also tend to choke while eating with your elbows on the table.
- Conversing across the dinner table.
- Stretching one’s arms beyond reach to pick up a dish / water.
- Clattering of knives / forks / plates while eating.
- Not wearing appropriate attire for the occasion.
- Not appreciating the culinary skills of the hostess / cook.
- Not thanking the host and hostess during a private party or the waiter (and the cook if available) in the mess / club. It will boost their morale.
- (Standing with folded hands during a goodbye conversation. It implies you have switched off and are not interested in the conversation.
- Not waiting for elderly guests and ladies to leave.
After a spirited party dinner which has obviously gone off well, generally the hosts retire late collecting themselves and the guests return happily but by morning even forget what the cuisine was. But what would be really heart warming for the hostess will be a fresh yellow rose with a sweet thank you note from the guest next morning.