FOOD NEWS
You Can Just Forget About These Ridiculous Restaurant Etiquette Rules
BY Rebecca Andersson
Waiting
While the custom of waiting for everyone to be served before eating is a long-standing dining practice, it's less practical today than it was centuries ago.
Today's busy restaurant staff don't always get an entire party's order out from the kitchen simultaneously, so hot dishes may begin to cool before everyone is served.
Standing Up
The custom of men standing when women leave or return to the table originated from aristocratic ideals of gallantry and chivalry.
However, the gesture feels overly formal and awkward for many people nowadays. It can disrupt the flow of conversation or dining while reinforcing outdated gender dynamics.
Seat Assistance
Another outdated gender-related custom is men assisting women with their chairs. Once seen as a courteous gesture, it’s now one that can lead to awkward moments.
In addition to reflecting an outdated hierarchical view of gender relationships, a simple misstep with the chair can turn a polite gesture into an unintended embarrassment.
Paying
The expectation that men should always pay originates from an era when men were the sole breadwinners and dining out was part of courtship and chivalry.
As gender roles today have evolved and many women enjoy financial independence, the expectation that men must always pay feels outdated and unnecessary.
Ordering
In prior centuries, women were expected to remain silent, and men were often the sole decision-makers at the table regarding what was ordered and discussed about the meal.
Today, this rule is widely regarded as outdated and patronizing. Modern dining etiquette assumes everyone is fully capable of knowing what they want and speaking for themselves.