6 Essential Table Manners

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Eating is a favorite part of many people's day, and with good reasons too. There's delicious food to eat, you get to spend time with loved ones, just to name a few. Often while we're enjoying ourselves, we don't pay attention to our behavior, especially when we're eating. To help you brush up on your behavior, I've listed table manners you should follow.

1. Wait for others

Some of us get to see our family members for a limited amount of time. This is especially true for those who have parents working in the military or are constantly away for business. It's important to cherish every moment you are with your family. Eating together with your loved ones is a great way to do this. You can catch up with one another over a hearty meal.

2. Watch your proportions

I know that some of us are foodies at heart, but it's important that we share with others. We aren't the only ones who need nutrients or find comfort in food.While we're on the topic of food, you want to keep an eye on how much you put on your plate. You may love food, but you don't want it to to take over your health (aka your waistline). To keep your relationship with food clean, follow the proportion rule.

3. Ask for food
I don't know about you but it annoys me when people reach over for a plate when I'm eating. Take it from me and show respect to others at the dining table. Depending on where you're eating, there are different ways to ask for food. If you're dining at home, you can have someone pass you the plate. If you're eating out, you can serve the food yourself. Always remember to get food from your side of the plate and don't be picky about it!

4. Focus on eating

As I've mentioned before, eating can

be accommodated with socializing. If you choose to talk when eating, don't do both at the same time. It can be embarrassing when you accidentally spit food out. No one can understand you with your mouth full anyways. If you have something to say, say it before or after you take a bite. Try not to have your phone with you or have the TV open. You want to spend time with loved ones, not the media.

5. Excuse yourself (if necessary)

Now, you might be surprised to see this one on the list. I think it's still important to show courtesy to others when you need to leave the table. By saying "excuse me" or something similar, you won't come across as rude and you won't feel awkward. I understand that it's hard to predict emergencies, and people will too.

I'm sure that many of you are disappointed that eating seemed to have turned into work. That is not the case though. If you incorporate these manners into your daily dining, your meals will feel more peaceful. Just think about it-no fighting over food, no messes to clean after...Best of all, eating is still enjoyable, like it should be :)