How Do You Rate on A Date?

I was running through the Metro newspaper on my train ride this morning, and I came across this tidbit about dinner date etiquette. I find it interesting how things such as these natural acts can warrant a "How-to" manual; but then again Barnes and Nobles sells a "..For Dummies" book for just about everything imagineable.


In retrospect when in dire straits, I can see the benefit of dating tips. Consider that crucial moment where you go blank and can't remember to a tee what your plan for success was. There is a "How To" that can help. When was the last time you met that person whom you deemed "The One"; dropped the ball when it came time to go out on a date? If you did, this is for you. Now I can't guarantee that a second chance is in your future, but if it is, TAKE ADVANTAGE! This time around follow the blueprint and you too can be a dinner date success:

1. Never sit next to each other on one side of a table unless you’re being filmed for a reality TV show. Be adults and sit facing each other. The romance of staring into each other’s eyes over a candlelit table should be enough.


2. Guys, don’t order for the woman. She’s an adult: She can make up her own mind and speak for herself.


3. Don’t order “just a salad.” This tells your date you’d rather count calories than embrace the date and all its pleasures, including the gastronomic ones. But don’t order the lobster, unless it’s been clearly established that you’re paying.


4. If you have to use the powder room, just say, “Excuse me, please.” Your date needn’t know specifics.

5. No cell phones at the table, please, even if you’re dining at Denny’s. (Good manners don’t discriminate against even the tackiest of eating establishments.) If you absolutely, positively must take a call, keep your phone on vibrate, but don’t whip it out. Wait for an appropriate pause in conversation to excuse yourself from the table to take the call. However, it had better be an emergency.


6. Don’t start eating until your date has also been served. Don’t touch your silverware until his or her dish has made contact with the table linen. Even if your date insists you go ahead.


7. Discussing the etymology of “The Dirty Sanchez” is unacceptable dinner conversation — save that for the bar.


8. Don’t gesture with your silverware.


9. Do not ask to sample your date’s plate unless he or she offers first. Some people are funny about that. On the other hand, if your date is clearly suffering from entree envy, consider offering a trade.


10. Be courteous to the wait-staff. Never snap, clap, cry “Waiter!” or worse, “Garcon!” Wait until you catch your server’s eye, then nod, smile or subtly raise your hand. If you’re rude to the service industry professionals, it tells your date that you have the potential to be rude to anyone. And finally, if you’re picking up the bill, then tip 20 percent unless you want to look like a cheapskate.


We all know first impressions are lasting, and presentation is paramount. Quality time is like an intereview when courting. Don't kid yourself by assuming that you know everyting about the intricacies of dating. An old dog can learn new tricks; everyday of your life is an opportunity to do better than before. Ever wondered why your love life never improves? The reason is, YOU NEVER IMPROVE. Here's your chance.


Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.
Tips are courtesy of MetroNY- March 9th 2011

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ToP THIS: Social Etiquette 101

No elbows on the table! Which fork do I use? Don't slouch!Turn off you're phone! How should I wear my hair? What time should I arrive? How do I remember every one's name?!

There are so many rules when it comes to how to act in a social atmosphere. Here are a few that you can use whether

you're in a business setting or at a relaxed social event.

For starters
When you sit at the table at a formal restaurant or banquet, the bread plate is always to the left of your place setting and the glass stays to the top right corner. Place your napkin neatly folded into your lap. When you use your glass or silverware, place it in the original place setting. This keeps the setting nice and tidy. Begin from the outside of your silverware setting and work inwards as the appetizers, soups, salads and so forth arrive. Take smaller bites than you normally would. It is important to either eat or drink at one time, but never do both at once. This keeps you from having a full mouth when a question or statement is directed to you. Always chew with your mouth closed, and please do not talk or laugh through your food. Try not to fidget at the table.

Names
Committing to remember the names of the people at an event is a great attitude to have as you enter an event.
Repetition helps engrave the name in your memory.
-Use the name immediately.
-Repeat it silently to yourself.
-Comment on the name, if possible.
-Use it occasionally in the conversation without overdoing it.
-Use it when leaving.
-Write it down afterwards.

Also associating the name with something else will help commit the name to memory
IE:Dave needs a shave.
Latrice is Patty's niece.
Still need help remembering names?
Click HERE for more advice.

The Staff
Always be polite to the staff and servers, and especially use ‘Please’ and ‘Thank You’ often for proper social etiquette. Again, this is a relatively easy one. The problem is that people at a dinner setting often forget to acknowledge the servers. Ignoring the servers is not in good manners at all. It shows a certain amount of friendliness and social graces when you look directly at the servers, smile, and thank them for their service.

Letters and thank you notes
If you do not know the sex of the person you are writing do not use Ms., or Mr. Instead, use the full name: Dear Toni Smith. If you do know the gender, remember that woman are always referred to as Ms. It is very important to write a follow up or thank you letter to the host/hostess and in some cases the people you are introduced to, within 48 hours of meeting them. This should be a simple formal note.


Final Quick tips
-Do not fix your hair at the table, if it needs to be fixed, excuse yourself and go to the restroom
- Focus on the host/hostess and not the food.

For more tips you can visit LifeScript

Deuces,
DANiE

Spread Love. Live Life. Be Inspired.
Proud supporter of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

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