American vs. European Style of Dining

Dear Dr. Dave and Dr. Dee,

I spent the summer in Europe and now I like eating European style and not switch the fork back and forth after cutting my meat. However, my mother tells me that since I'm back in the U.S., I should eat American style. What do you think?

Signed,

European Preference

Dear European Preference,

Either method is acceptable. Eat the way with which you are most comfortable.

European or Continental style is where the knife is held with the right hand (assuming one is right handed), the fork is held with the left, and fork prongs are kept curved down while dining.

The American style is where meat is cut with the knife in the right hand and fork in the left, but then the utensils are switched after cutting. The knife is placed across the top of the plate, and the fork is switched from the left hand to right. The fork prongs are curved up to scoop or spear food.

Whichever method is used, only cut a piece or two of meat at a time.