Table manners?

Question

I was reading a question on another part of Y!A not too long ago, and the asker was questioning how many families sit at the table to eat dinner.  Her point was that she prefered not to, while her husband did.  One person answering the question stated that while her family sat at the table to eat, she didn't have any "silly rules like askiing to be excused" and then stated that she thought it was "lower middle class" to ask if one may be excused from the dinner table.

My question is, how is it lower middle class?  I always assumed it was just good manners, wether you're lower class, middle class or upper class.  Did I miss something with this response?  This is something that been puzzeling me, and I'm having a difficult time wrapping my mind around that particular answer.

Thanks!!

le miccrlc · Accepted Answer

To excuse yourself from the dinner table or any other gathering for that matter (IE. a work place conversation or cocktail party) is proper etiquette. A low class act would be to just walk away.

Susan G · Answer

It's my understanding that children and teenagers ought to ask to be excused from the table and adults may excuse themselves.  I can't imagine where this person got the idea that proper table manners was "lower middle class" - poor delusional person.  

Growing up, I was taught that good manners were vitally important as well as kindness and generosity.  It surprises me that so many people don't know the proper response to "thank you" and don't understand that holding the door for the person behind you is basic common courtesy.  I don't even want to go into the horrid table manners that I have witnessed at business lunches.

pickle · Answer

Don't bother trying to wrap your head around that one.  Asking to be exused from the table is about manners and has nothing at all to do with ones financial station in life. Besides asking to be excused is mainly for children. It is a sign of respect to parents and guests at the table. When I am dining with my elders I do not ask to be exused but simply make the statement "Please excuse me" before I leave the table. It is a true investment to teach your children the importance of manners and respect. It is my opinion that anyone who would look down their nose at someone trying to teach these values is in serious need of some class.

agoodswede · Answer

Growing up in Europe with very strict table manners, I was horrified when I noticed how Americans eat, even in fancy restaurants, I've seen people blow their nose at the table. In the cloth napkin ................yuck
Living here for 25 years I have now lighten up a lot, but still feel it's common etiquette to excuse your self if leaving the table.

Anonymous · Answer

No you did not miss anything...Its proper tabel manners to ask to be excused from the table no matter what class you think your are...It is quite obvious that the person has no class etiquette and is a snob,pig, has an ego problem....

LillyB · Answer

It was just her tactic to attempt to give her response more validity.  She was just attempting to elevate herself in society so ibviously doies not feel that secure in the class she has arbitrarily chosen for herself.

Anonymous · Answer

Sounds like intellectual snobbery to me.  Manners and politeness transcend politics though - it's just nicer to be thoughtful.

Anonymous · Answer

no elbows on tables n chew wid ur mouth SHUT yes dats ryt SHUT not open n it doent mater wat 'class' you are

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Table manners?

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