table manners
When I'm clearing the tables, sometimes I monologue (in my mind, not out loud, people would think I'm insane) about how much a dinner table after dinner can define a person. Ironically (but not surprisingly) enough, the ones with the most refined looks usually have the worst table manners (like vui ket would point out, "Even when we give side plates for them to discard their prawn shells they must insist on dumping them on the table.. Do they think it's easy to clear tables during rush hour?!") and the ones most average-looking have surprisingly refined table manners. Maybe it's because the refined care not (well not much anyway) for appearances (not necessarily physical) and the average overly do.
Think of this: the most cinapek-looking/dressed dude can eat like he's eating in a 5-star hotel, not leave ANY trace of crumbs or even water droplets of the cup on the tablecloth. I seriously salute this dude! (by the way the one that I remembered having this amazing skill was a 50+ year old man with his wife... both were equally skilled. You cannot imagine the tears of joy (mentally) that resulted in having such a clean table to clean up and set up)
Once you've thought of that, think of this: A bunch of working-class people who insist on dumping the shells (prawn or mussels) on the table, not to mention mess it up (not only the table, the floor too) like a 5-year-old kid would when he/she's sulking. I was quite disgusted and amazed at the same time.
brain fart: Uncle Tay dropped by for dinner while I was on shift. We were genuinely surprised to see each other, so much so that he (gasp!) decided to call my dad and report it. W.T.F..?!
Most of my table manners were taught to me by dad (at least the western ones, mom taught me most of the asian ones) and I'm glad for that cause I couldn't stand to embarrass myself by not knowing which spoon is used for what and how to use chopsticks and even how to set the table. Of course right-handedness and left-handedness requires slight alterations, but that is hardly discernible compared to the horror etched on others' faces on their knowing your inadequacy. On the other hand, what a pain it is for it to be required of you to be so proper while indulging in what may be the most favourite activity of the day (apart from sleeping - I can spot you three-toed-sloths a mile away) especially when you're consuming shellfish or pork ribs. =P Well, you can't win 'em all. But surprisingly a fork and a knife (as well as some other cutlery) can be quite formidable given enough skill and practice. The end result: great eats and clean fingers XD This must be one of the little pleasantries in life that I like, although it can be so trying for one's patience. Well, it is as they say; "No pain, no gain."
