Sharing a meal is a situation where you can easily violate another person's boundaries. Especially when it comes to eating in a public place like a cafe or restaurant. To avoid this trouble, people have come up with rules of etiquette. Recently, they have become much more liberal, but they have also been transformed under the influence of new realities of life.

Therefore, OBOZREVATEL asked what exactly is modern dining etiquette. And how it regulates behavior, taking into account the use of gadgets and the spread of the tradition of eating out.

Conversations at the table

The rule that you shouldn't talk too much at the table is outdated. Modern people don't have much time to spend together, so socializing over meals is becoming increasingly valuable. However, etiquette experts still advise avoiding sensitive topics that could provoke a conflict. Talk as much as you want, but don't spoil each other's appetite. And don't make too much noise if you're not alone in the room.

The place of gadgets

This rule can also be extended to the following - if possible, avoid any use of smartphones and other gadgets for communication during a lunch or dinner together. You've come together to spend time with each other - don't be distracted by other people or things. This can be perceived as a sign of disrespect.

Toasting and clinking glasses

The question of whether toasts are appropriate at the table and whether glasses should be clinked afterwards is a hotly debated topic. Etiquette experts advise you to do what you prefer. If you want to drink coffee to celebrate something good with a colleague even during a lunch break, go for it. But follow a few rules: don't toast too loudly so as not to disturb others, and don't reach across the table with your glass to knock over any dishes. The rest is at your discretion.

Eating bread

This product has long occupied a huge place in any kitchen and is a real cultural and historical phenomenon that once changed the vector of development of entire civilizations. It is also a source of a huge amount of crumbs. Therefore, if you want to eat bread neatly, do not take a whole slice of bread to bite off. Pinch off small pieces right on the dish on which the product was brought. This way, you'll make less mess.

Elbows on the table

No matter how liberal the etiquette, you can't put your elbows on the table while eating. Period. However, you can relax during the meal change. But as soon as the plate appears in front of you, take your elbows off the table again.

Adding salt

Only you can decide how much salt you want to taste in your food. Even your doctor can't completely forbid you something. Therefore, you can generally salt what is on the plate - it will not be a problem. But you should do it only after you have tasted the food. This way you show respect for the chef. Appreciate the taste as it was intended by the person who cooked it. And then you can fill the food with salt and pepper to the brim.

Tilt the plate

Liquid dishes, such as soup, when they are left literally on the bottom, should be eaten by tilting the plate. But which way? Logic suggests that it will be more convenient to tilt the container toward you. But there is one caveat - you can get leftovers all over yourself and look not very aesthetically pleasing. It doesn't seem like a big deal, but it makes you feel worse, and you want to be tidy in front of other people. Therefore, etiquette experts advise tilting the plate in the opposite direction. And don't lean too far toward the spoon. This is also not a very nice gesture.

Earlier, OBOZREVATEL told you how to politely refuse alcohol at a party.

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