Whether it’s your first date or something routine, having proper dining etiquette is essential. Tony Logan breaks down three sins you don’t want to commit at that next formal meal.
Sure dining might never have been more casual than it is today and dating is done with the swipe of a thumb, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t know how to impress when you’re out to dinner. Here are a few essentials to get you started on the journey to perfect dining etiquette.
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Holster that Smartphone
In today’s age, everything is either recorded or photographed, thanks to smartphones and social media. Trust me, I know it’s hard to resist the urge to capture your five-star meal while sitting on a rooftop above a beautiful city, but for dinner etiquette’s sake, we have to ask you to refrain. Not only is having a phone at the table a major distraction, but it also takes away a lot from the intimacy of dining.
Instead of capturing the perfect foodie photo, this time should be used for conversation or enjoying the scenery. So, with everything just an app away, how can you avoid the distractions of notifications, text messages, and phone calls? Simple, just quietly tuck your phone away on silent as you both sit down. This will show your date that she’s not only worthy of your time but also your attention.
Research the Menu
This next tip is something I personally learned first-hand; if you want to save time and a headache when deciding on your meal, always look at the menu before your visit. The common predicament people run into when trying a restaurant for the first time is, either everything looks really good or everything looks totally disgusting. There’s hardly an in between.
So, if you are looking to venture out, save yourself the time and the stress by simply doing your research. In today’s age, everybody has an opinion and everybody wants to share them so even social media can help if you ask for restaurant recommendations. If all else fails, muster up the courage and go in for a tasting.
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There is no better way to find out first-hand what to try than to try it yourself. That way when it’s time for your date to order and she’s looking at the menu and asking for your recommendation you can answer with confidence. You might even win brownie points if you pair the perfect bottle of wine with the entrée. But, that happens only if you like doing extra credit.
Appropriate Dinner Talk
Now, this last one should go without saying but sometimes common sense isn’t always so common. When you’re dining out, especially in a public place, keep the conversation topics appropriate but interesting. Hopefully, by the time you send over the invitation to your date you have already done your social media research and know the things she’s interested in, and maybe even the things she’s not.
All of this is playing to your advantage if you’re able to build a good conversation around this research (and no, it’s not stalking!). When it comes to topics like religion, politics, crazy exes, or unhealthy habits, you should either tread lightly or just avoid them altogether. The last thing you want to do is offend your date and spend the rest of the night in awkward silence.
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Fellas, dating isn’t easy and it’s a lonely world on the other side but, like anything, the best way to conquer the dating scene is to put yourself out there and stay consistent!
Good luck, and remember to tip your waiter.
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