You are here:
Social Etiquette and Good Manners/ediquette
Advertisement
Question
Is it proper to remain sitting when being introduced to people, who pass by your table while you are dinning?
Is shaking hands over plated food propper?
Dear Mr. Dee,
Large groups should not stop by tables to chat or make mass introductions. A simple nod and "Hello" is appropriate.
Sometimes there are occasions when one or two people will stop by a table to say a "quick" hello. If introductions are made and the person who is being introduced is a woman, all men at a small table should rise to meet her. If the table is large, only those men closest to her should rise. The other men can give a quick half rise and then sit down. Women remain seated for any woman or man who is introduced.
When a man stops by to greet another man, only that man stands to shake hands. The visitor should then ask the man to sit back down. Any greetings should be brief. If more than a few words are spoken, the visitor should ask for a chair from the waiter and sit down.
Interrupting conversation and a meal at a table is not a good idea, but it does happen. Nodding and simply saying "Hello" are preferable to stopping and conversing for a matter of time. If a lengthy conversation is needed, it is much better to arrange to talk at another time.
Thank you for wtiting.
Best regards,
Fleming Allaire, Ph.D.
"Dr. Manners"
Related Articles
Answers by Expert:
Fleming Allaire, Ph.D., a.k.a Dr. Manners (TM).
Expertise
As an author, educator, newspaper columnist and trainer in the field of manners and etiquette, I am able to answer questions on every aspect of social etiquette and good manners. I cover adult and children`s manners,introductions, dining skills, verbal and written communication (including e-mail, cell phone and regular telephone etiquette), tipping, weddings, travel, births, death and funerals, proper attire for every occasion, office etiquette, invitations, entertaining, the roles of a host and a guest, thank you notes, family life, interviews, gift-giving, graduations, good grooming, disabled persons, hotels,school manners, good sportsmanship,respect, manners in public places( the theater, movies, church, shopping, restaurants, etc.), being a good neighbor, and being considerate of others.
Experience
I am the originator of national Children's Good Manners Month (September) and founder of The Good Manners Club. My school program "Manners Do Matter" is used successfully throughout the United States. I teach manners and etiquette at the University of Connecticut, Central Connecticut State University, United Technologies Corporation, Cigna Corporation and The Archdiocese of Hartford Catholic Schools. I wrote and recorded my Dr. Manners' Moments for Radio Disney, which aired for nearly two years. I was a regular contributor on WVIT-TV NBC30 during 2002 and 2003. I was a regular etiquette expert on WTIC (Radio)for nearly 3 years. I have been interviewed by radio stations, television stations, newspapers and other publications around the world. I recently appeared in an episode of the television show Survival Guide, on the Fine Living Network on Personal Etiquette and am a consultant for the Network. I was asked to write an article for The New York Times on Manners and Etiquette for the Summer, which was published on Sunday, May 16, 2004. I have visited dozens of schools, public and private; worked with The Girl Scouts; various community groups (including Chambers of Commerce and Senior Citizen Groups); church groups,and more. I am a former elementary school principal and a former elementary school teacher. Additionally, I have authored several books and booklets on manners and etiquette. I have been a manners advice newspaper columnist for nine years. My education includes: Ph.D. in Education, LaSalle University; Administrator Certification, Sacred Heart University; Teacher Certification, Central Connecticut State University; B.A. in English, Nazareth College of Rochester; Etiquette Consultant Certification
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.