I am a huge fan of manners. I don’t think I am the expert in manners, but I do follow basic rules that a lot of people in my circle follow. I don’t give people the bad eye if they have bad table manners, I just like to present myself in a certain way that is not so hectic that I land up thinking about it all the time and not enjoying myself.

I judged my fiancé on his table manners the first time we went to dinner. I was really impressed, it’s hard to create habits in adults but I would not like to be the ‘disciplinarian’. If I do come off as snobbish, please read below before you judge. It’s not about being a snob, it’s about conducting yourself in a manner that  is courteous to you and those around you.

These 10 rules are so basic that I will get my toddler to master them before the age of 3. It’s not those “I’m having dinner with the queen” rules.

Rule 1: Be punctual

I’m sure in your group of friends there’s that ONE person who is always late or what they call ‘fashionably late’. There’s only so many drinks you can order before you start eating your nails or contemplate eating your serviette. Being late means everyone has to delay for you so please don’t do it.

Rule 2: Don’t speak with your mouth full

It’s really hard to ignore the specs of food flying everywhere when someone is trying to talk with their mouth full. The worst part is if the specs of food land on you, I never know how to react to not act disgusted. Do I leave the food on me until the culprit looks away? Or do I just wipe it away quickly cause the feeling of having on my is just so disgusting?

Rule 3: Show appreciation

When being served, say please and thank you. Being polite really doesn’t cost anything and in the end, you will not look like a total snob, you just look rude.

Rule 4: Don’t reach

I don’t want your loose blazer touching my food or your armpit gracing my presence, please ask whoever close to the item you are looking for to pass you the salt shaker or whatever.

Rule 5: Wait for everyone to receive their food

I never thought this was an important one until a friend of mine consumed her entire meal before we were served. It was just awkward and she just sat there watching us eat.

A bonus rule that should be a law of mankind is to leave your phone alone. I hate making conversation with someone who’s on their phone but pretending they are listening to me. Yes, we are in the age of technology but I think Billy and others can wait and they don’t need to know that you checked into the fancy restaurant

Like I said, I want to tech my toddler these rules by the time she’s 3 so it’s not too late for you to learn!