I am really annoyed by the idea of clinking glasses after a toast. I find it tacky and prefer to raise my glass, then acknowledge the speaker and others present with eye contact & a smile. Are there any etiquette rules that say I am required to clink my glass?
Thanks.
misslabeled
Favorite Answer
What you should be asking is why are you so annoyed by friendly traditions of joy and acknowledgement.
fizixx
It's just you.
It's a tradition that completes the acknowledgement of the toast, if the participants are are indeed clinking glasses. Not to do so is rude.
Is this where we are that people can't reach down inside themselves to clink a glass at a toast?
YouKnowYouLoveIt
The basic rule for toasts is that if it is a formal or unfamiliar setting (such as a work party or a formal sit down dinner) then you are correct in not clinking glasses, proper etiquette says to raise your glass and acknowledge the toast (such as a smile, nod or even to repeat the toast if it is short.) Whereas, in a familiar or cozier setting (such as a family gathering or dinner with close friends) one should touch glasses as it is more personal. If you're with friends or family, however, I think they should understand if your glass doesn't touch. :)
Dead
Clinking is fine in small groups, but if it involves reaching across the table, then simply raise your glass. Usually my rule is that with fewer than six people, clinking is fine. Any more than six, simply raise your glass. Much classier.
Healing_Rain
I also find this annoying and tacky. This started out a a private toast between just two people. It was meant as a romantic setting not a community thing where everyone did it. So how did it start as a group thing? Weddings! Eye contact and a smile is proper.