To avoid collisions at the dinner table, always approach your chair from the left
Never point at someone, consider opening your hand towards the person (Representational image)
Most of us are aware of the rudiments of etiquette… which hand to hold the knife with, opening doors for ladies, covering one’s mouth while sneezing, etc. However, if you really want to get into the serious stuff, we have a few (little known) modern-day rules for you to follow.
Don’t cough into your right hand: Etiquette expert Joy Weaver, author of How to Be Socially Savvy in All Situations, says, “Your right hand is your social hand. It should be available for shaking hands, waving and blowing kisses.” Your left hand, meanwhile, is what she dubs your “personal” hand: “That’s the hand you use for coughing, scratching, sneezing, whatever it is we don’t want to talk about.” The right shoulder is the wrong shoulder To keep your “social” hand free for greetings, it’s best to keep your handbag in your left hand. That way, says Weaver, “you don’t have to take the time to switch it over to the other arm when you’re reaching out to shake someone’s hand.”
Left is right at the table: To avoid collisions at the dinner table, always approach your chair from the left-hand side and exit on the right, says Weaver. And if you need to use the restroom during the meal, never announce your intentions to the group. Suggests the pro, “Just say, ‘Excuse me,’ and step away.”
The pepper goes with the salt: They’re like a little couple,” Weaver says of the salt-and-pepper shakers. “You never want to separate them.” The theory: Even if one diner asks only for the salt, the person next to them may want both, so they should be kept together. And remember — always pass to the right!
Get the seating right: The power seat in any car is to the back and the right. That’s the one you should leave for your boss “or whomever is the person of prominence or honour,” says Weaver. The next person in line gets to claim the seat to the left, while the junior person usually gets the middle.
Don’t point: We can point at something,” says Weaver, “but we never point at someone. If you must point out across the room to your pal, you may gesture, but be sure to use an open hand."
The revolving door conundrum: While holding the door for someone is the done thing, the rules change when it’s a revolving door. Then, it’s polite to enter first. Explains Weaver, “You never want your client or date to have to push while you’re behind them just prancing in. It’s about making the other person feel special and making it easier on them.”
( Source : www.mentalfloss.com )
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