12 Rude Dining Behaviors

Dear Dr. Dave and Dr. Dee,

I have had it with the sloppy, disgusting, piggish and germ-spreading habit of those who insist on skipping the napkin and licking their fingers. The most inconsiderate are those who lick their fingers at a buffet, then pick up the serving utensil and add their germs to the collection already on it. Needless to say, I try to avoid buffets.

Signed,

Help lick this problem

Dear Help lick this problem,

Licking fingers even under the most casual dining experiences is rather offensive. Please note that it is on the list of the top 12 rude dining behaviors.

Below are the table manners that are considered rude when dining out.

Top 12 Rude Dining Behaviors

1. Talking or Texting on Cell Phones

Cell phones should be turned off, on vibrate or silent during a meal. Never answer the call unless it is an emergency. If expecting an emergency call, then let your table party know so that when you receive it, you can excuse yourself from the table and talk outside.

2. Chewing With Your Mouth Open

The mouth should be closed when chewing. ABC (already been chewed) is not an appetizing sight.

3. Talking With Mouth Full

When the mouth is full of food, wait to speak until you have swallowed the food. Again, it is not appetizing to see food and when talking with food in the mouth, some could accidentally get spit onto your guests.

4. Blowing Nose at the Dinner Table

It is very offensive and unsanitary to blow one's nose at the table. Excuse yourself and go to the restroom.

5. Rudeness to Wait Staff

Being rude or impolite to the wait staff is unacceptable. If you do not like your food or wine, let the wait staff know politely and they will get you a replacement. However, if you have eaten most or all the food on your plate or drank most of the wine, then you should not expect a replacement meal or drink.

6. Picking Your Teeth

It is inconsiderate to use a toothpick, fingers, or utensils to pick at your teeth at the dinner table. If food is stuck in your teeth, then excuse yourself and go to the restroom.

7. Burping

Sometimes burping may be unavoidable, but try to suppress it using your napkin.

8. Flatulence

Sometimes passing gas may be unavoidable, but try to suppress it. Squeeze the anal sphincter hard until the urge goes away.

9. Licking Fingers

If your fingers happen to get food on them, use your napkin to wipe them clean. Or, excuse yourself, and use the restroom to wash hands.

10. Grooming or Make-Up

Although commonly seen in restaurants, the place to primp is in the restroom.

11. Alcohol Overindulgence

It is uncouth to drink too much. It is also unhealthy to have too much alcohol and unsafe to drive. Even if you have a designated driver, alcohol tends to unleash obnoxious behavior.

12. Not Leaving a Tip

Unless the service was unbearable, a 15% to 20% tip should be left. If the service was terrible, speak discretely with the restaurant manager.