8 table manners that make you look impolite

Some table manners are simply basic, but unfortunately, some rules of etiquette are rapidly disappearing and sometimes we all need a little "refresher".

Whether you want to make a good impression at your first dinner with your mother-in-law, at a business meeting, or simply not look like someone who has never eaten out: these are 11 things polite people never do at the table.

1. To lean on other people's plates

If you reach over someone else's dinner to get the bread, not only are you disrespecting their personal space, but you're also endangering their plate. Say "excuse me" and ask them to bring you the thing you're looking for - not do gymnastics on the table.

2. Chew with your mouth open

We don't know how to put it more gently: no one will see what you're chewing. Or hear it. Or feel it as a full audio-visual experience. Shut up and live your life in peace.

3. Sitting with the phone in hand

Yes, dinner is boring. Yes, the person across from you is talking about a documentary you haven't seen. But you don't have to check Instagram every 20 seconds. Being present in the conversation is basic courtesy, not a luxury.

4. Interrupt conversations

If you're always expecting to talk and not listen, you're not in a conversation—you're in a monologue. Polite people make space for others, really listen, and don't make dinner a "one-man show."

5. Forgetting to say “please” and “thank you”

If someone passes you the compliment, a “thank you” doesn’t cost you anything. Being grateful isn’t just polite – it’s key to being a likable and… normal person.

6. Lick your fingers

If you're eating chicken wings, it's no excuse to start licking in public. Grab a tissue, clean yourself up, and voila .

7. Make the whole conversation about themselves

Talking about yourself all dinner is terrible. Ask questions, listen, respond with genuine interest. You're not on a solo podcast.

8. Not offering help after dinner

To wash a plate, to pick up the napkins – you won't be ruined. Offering to help shows respect for the hospitality and that you don't think "there's a servant who takes care of these chores."

If you find yourself at any of these points, it's okay – life is a school. But now you know: people with a little class and education know how to be polite even at dinner.

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_{Source: Your Tango}