Table Manners

When we were very little, our parents, school teachers, caretakers, would forbid that we talked, stood up, or engage in other activities while eating at the dining table. 

They did well to always sound the word “Table manners” in our ears.

But really were they table manners? Or just control measures on the dining table for kids?

Do a reality check!

Since most of us grew up, became adults, how many of us keep quiet while eating? Or even sit rightly? Not to talk of pressing our phones while eating?

I’m sure not many of us still do with very few exceptions.

Even back then, I noticed we were the only ones not permitted to talk, while on the other hand, our parents laughed hysterically, and talked as they chewed on their food.

So, it got me thinking at that age, why exactly it was binding on us as kids?

Was it an issue of manners?

Were our parents mannerless? Or they were above such?

But as I grew up, and fitted seamlessly into the same pattern I had watched overtime, I ask myself if there was any such thing as table manners? Or it was just another way to cajole kids into observing silence and decorum?

Are they binding on adults?

What was your experience like?

Do you keep this ‘table manners’ till date?

I need answers please, am I mannerless? I need to retrace my steps if need be..Smiles😊