I was dining with a friend at a local restaurant the other day and while no one is perfect, I noticed an appalling lack of table manners and consideration for others by two guests sitting maybe 20 feet away. And it’s not the first time I have noticed this. I’m a stickler for manners and was brought up that way.
Three things bother me the most: Chewing with your mouth open and sucking loudly on your fingers when eating chicken wings, speaking loudly so that everyone can hear you, playing videos loudly or using speakerphone as if no one else is in the room. Let’s get to it.
Chewing with your mouth closed and maintaining a reasonable volume when speaking or playing videos in public spaces, especially restaurants, is not just about basic manners; it’s a fundamental aspect of respect for others and creating a pleasant environment for everyone. Here’s why these behaviors are important:
Chewing with your mouth closed is a sign of basic etiquette and consideration for those around you. When you chew with your mouth open, not only is it visually unappealing, but it also creates unnecessary noise that can be distracting and even repulsive to others. The sight and sound of someone smacking their lips/sucking their fingers loudly, or chewing loudly can disrupt the dining experience for those nearby, making it difficult for them to enjoy their meal in peace.
You don’t need to make noise when you remove the chicken wing sauce from your fingers using your mouth. It’s easily doable to not make a sound; making that sucking sound is not only disgusting, it is unnecessary.
Moreover, chewing with your mouth closed is more hygienic. By keeping your mouth closed while chewing, you reduce the chances of food particles and saliva spraying onto nearby surfaces or onto other people. This simple act helps maintain cleanliness in shared spaces and prevents the spread of germs, especially in environments where food is being consumed. Remember how concerned we all were during the COVID-19 pandemic about spreading germs.
Similarly, speaking at a moderate volume in restaurants is essential for maintaining a comfortable atmosphere for all patrons. Loud or boisterous conversations can intrude on the privacy of others and disrupt their dining experience. People go to restaurants not only for the food but also for the ambiance and social interaction. Excessively loud talking can overshadow the ambiance, making it difficult for others to enjoy their meals and conversations.
Additionally, playing videos or audio at a high volume in public places, including restaurants, is incredibly rude and inconsiderate. Not everyone shares the same taste in music or entertainment, and subjecting others to your preferences without their consent is disrespectful.
And we don’t want to hear your private conversations. If you don’t want someone to look over at you, turn your volume and that of your phone down. Loud videos and calls can also disturb the concentration of those around you and disrupt the overall atmosphere of the restaurant. In other words, turn the volume down, not everyone is interested in your latest video.
Furthermore, being mindful of noise levels in public spaces demonstrates awareness and respect for the needs of others. Just as you expect others to consider your comfort and enjoyment, it’s important to reciprocate that consideration by being mindful of your own behavior. By being mindful of your noise levels, you contribute to a more harmonious and enjoyable environment for everyone present.
In today’s interconnected world, where technology allows us to carry our entertainment with us everywhere we go, it’s easy to forget that our actions can impact those around us. However, being aware of our surroundings and practicing basic courtesy is essential for fostering positive interactions and creating a sense of community.
Ultimately, chewing with your mouth closed, speaking at a reasonable volume, and refraining from playing videos loudly in public spaces are not just arbitrary rules of etiquette; they are expressions of respect and consideration for the comfort and well-being of others.
By adhering to these principles, we can contribute to a more pleasant and enjoyable experience for everyone in shared spaces like restaurants. So, the next time you find yourself in a public setting, remember to chew with your mouth closed, speak softly, and keep your videos at a respectful volume. Your fellow diners will thank you for it.
John Berkovich Talks 