112

What's the most interesting traditional or formal politeness behaviour or table manners in your culture? Or for any service personnel, in your restaurant? (kbin.social)

submitted 5 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

77 comments fedilink hide all child comments

I love all the ritualized behaviour, secret meanings and unexpected taboos - standing up when someone of higher status stands, elaborate rules for serving and eating, tapping the table to thank the server, never refuse a toast from a superior, stuff like that.

Whether it's about meals or anything else, I'd love to hear about any uncommon politeness standard or similar social behaviour that goes on in your location, culture or restaurant!

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments

[-] [email protected] 41 points 5 months ago

A wave of the hand is absolutely not rude or an indictment, especially these days when nearly every restaurant is understaffed. It's the polite way to get the server's attention.

[-] [email protected] 9 points 5 months ago

Depends on the restaurant. While not rude, a wave is often unnecessary in finer dining. Busy sports bar, sure. But most good servers will be scanning fairly constantly. Simple eye-contact is usually enough.

[-] [email protected] 12 points 5 months ago

I would consider it an indictment in a fine dining establishment, yes. Anywhere else, no. Of course, you shouldn't literally be waving your arms around. Just a slight lift of the hand while looking at them.

[-] [email protected] 6 points 5 months ago

Spot on. I used to work in a fancy spot. People waving their arms around would sometimes just get a super friendly wave back from me.

[-] [email protected] 2 points 5 months ago

Nicely handled!

this post was submitted on 09 Apr 2024

112 points (97.5% liked)

Asklemmy

43401 readers

671 users here now

A loosely moderated place to ask open-ended questions

Search asklemmy 🔍

If your post meets the following criteria, it's welcome here!

Open-ended question
Not offensive: at this point, we do not have the bandwidth to moderate overtly political discussions. Assume best intent and be excellent to each other.
Not regarding using or support for Lemmy: context, see the list of support communities and tools for finding communities below
Not ad nauseam inducing: please make sure it is a question that would be new to most members
An actual topic of discussion

Looking for support?

Looking for a community?

Lemmyverse: community search
sub.rehab: maps old subreddits to fediverse options, marks official as such
[email protected]: a community for finding communities

~Icon~ ~by~ ~@Double_[email protected]~

founded 5 years ago

MODERATORS

[email protected]