Written By: Ooh La La (Danielle Marie)
"When in Rome, do as the Romans do."
Well, this renown saying most definitely pertains to those basic everyday NITTY GRITTY MANNERS! Forget about yourself, forget about your personal stubborness and leave that "giv'me giv'me" personality home; you will never get far in life with that philosophy. Instead, recognize your surroundings, follow the appropriate manners as to your situation and most of all, think of others!
Here's an example...
In France, bread plates are not used at the dinner table. Instead, buttered bread is placed on the table next to the main plate. While in America, bread plates are used. You don't want to stick out like a sore thumb, so here the lesson is...be flexible with customs and traditions. You may not be invited back to dinner if you insist on openly defying the host!
Easier said than done, right? It doesn't have to be! Use this same philosophy when having dinner at a friend's house or eating at a unique restaurant. It's ok to follow other customs, everything is not about you. This is not the time to force your personal opinions on others. "When in Rome...or in France...or in Japan...or in the United States." Stop being STUBBORN! Adjust to your surroundings, relax, be congenial and you might make some amazing friendships while having the time of your life!
Do you remember a time when men were men and women were women? A time when doors were held, respectful tips were given to pleasant waiters and thank you letters were anticipated. What has become of these times? Are these manners on the brink of extinction? According to our society, few people follow rules with regards to manners. Let's dish out the common-sense! ~Danielle Marie and Katrina ~
Haha! On our last trip to France, I remember being stared at for eating pommes frites with - gasp!! - our fingers. I fondly remember that casual lunch and embarrassing my Frenchie brother-in-law. When in Paris, do as the Parisians do and eat those fries with a fork!
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