Etiquette? - Page 2

IrishLake · #1 11-21-2010, 11:37 AM

^^^ That reminds me of our formals one year. A sister brought a date who was from Georgia. Every time one of the females stood up to leave the table, he stood up too. We had NO idea why the hell he was doing it! He explained where he came from, that was the polite thing to do; when a lady leaves the table, any male present should rise to assist her if needed. We laughed, because he was up and down a LOT. It was not something we were used to in the slightest.

DrPhil · #2 11-21-2010, 11:48 AM

Bless his heart and in some settings he would've been considered the most awesomest of the awesome.*** However, I can't help but be a bit embarassed for him because he was doing what he had been socialized to do. Yet, he hadn't captured that what he had been socialized to do was perceived as strange in that environment.

*** I don't know whether this guy said this but I hope people don't say things like "I'm from Georgia and we..." as though what they were taught is what the average person from that area is taught. In reality, there are social class, generational, and racial and ethnic differences in what people are taught. That's also another issue with etiquette classes because you have to be able to teach more objective etiquette practices without delving into the social hierarchy of it all.

Gusteau · #3 11-21-2010, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrPhil

Bless his heart and in some settings he would've been considered the most awesomest of the awesome.*** However, I can't help but be a bit embarassed for him because he was doing what he had been socialized to do. Yet, he hadn't captured that what he had been socialized to do was perceived as strange in that environment.

While I believe in the importance of teaching "social graces," I think that learning to be observant and read your surroundings is ten times more useful in life.

IrishLake · #4 11-21-2010, 12:01 PM

I think the basic table etiquette is a must no matter where you live. Which cutlery to use, what goes where and on which plate, how to properly eat your soup/bread/meat. Keep it simple and everyone will benefit.

I remember going to a New Years party at the most beautiful place ever. My (future) brother-in-law's close friend came from big money, and this guys parents where having a new years party in New Albany (the wealthy suburb of Columbus, the neighboring house belongs to the Rahals, the racing famliy). I can't call it a house, because it wasn't, it was a mansion (complete with bowling alley, indoor swimming pool and "Pub" in the basement level, then 3 stories above that, and one wing of the house was an old church from somewhere in Eastern Europe that they had dismantled and shipped here then reassembled and made a part of the house - the fireplace was so huge you could stand inside of it). Anyway, even with what I knew about manners and etiquette, I was still very intimidated because this was the fanciest dinner I had ever been to in my short 21 years. In order to compensate, I observed what the other people were doing, and followed suit. (But even I knew that when my other future BiLs date asked for a glass of white zin, she would be looked at funny).

For your enjoyment, read the archived stories. www.etiquettehell.com

DrPhil · #5 11-21-2010, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IrishLake

I think the basic table etiquette is a must no matter where you live. Which cutlery to use, what goes where and on which plate, how to properly eat your soup/bread/meat. Keep it simple and everyone will benefit.

I agree.

Quote:

Originally Posted by IrishLake

For your enjoyment, read the archived stories. www.etiquettehell.com

Please don't give me another procrastination tool.

IrishLake · #6 11-21-2010, 12:08 PM

Dr Phil, that website has so many stories on it that will make you die with laughter, and cringe with embarassment. It's a must read!

knight_shadow · #7 11-21-2010, 01:47 PM

This thread turned into a jumbled mess lol

Saying what men are "supposed" to do and what women are "supposed" to do is the problem. It's also a problem when you say things are done because it's the "Southern" way of doing things (see the white after labor day thread).

Context matters. In some social settings, it would be odd to for me to stand every time a woman leaves the table. In others (ex. debutante ball or something), it would make sense. I shouldn't feel like I'm "less of a man" or "not as Southern" just because I don't follow every set of rules in every situation.

knight_shadow · #8 11-21-2010, 02:06 PM

Can someone leave this thread so that I can e-stand?

#DrinkingEarly

Drolefille · #9 11-21-2010, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by knight_shadow

Can someone leave this thread so that I can e-stand?

#DrinkingEarly

I have to go buy shoes for a wedding, and a new cellphone charger. So I'll oblige.

/breaking my don't tell people you're leaving rule so k_s can get his drink on.

Munchkin03 · #10 11-21-2010, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drolefille

I have to go buy shoes for a wedding, and a new cellphone charger. So I'll oblige.

/breaking my don't tell people you're leaving rule so k_s can get his drink on.

Why is k_s getting his drank on so early? I don't think last night's alcohol has fully left my system. I had a few glasses of Delirium. That stuff is like herpes--it stays with you.

Sinatra on Sundays is so awesome. "Moon River" is on right now and it reminds me of Breakfast at Tiffany's.

knight_shadow · #11 11-21-2010, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Munchkin03

Why is k_s getting his drank on so early? I don't think last night's alcohol has fully left my system. I had a few glasses of Delirium. That stuff is like herpes--it stays with you.

Sinatra on Sundays is so awesome. "Moon River" is on right now and it reminds me of Breakfast at Tiffany's.

It's noon! Brunch drinking time.

Except I'm not drinking mimosas -- I'm going to juggle vodka water and bud light.