Etiquette lessons?

[Jock Scot]

Aha! This is why it is dangerous to take things too literally, something that the non British have a habit of doing if I may say so, anyway, you chaps are missing the point of the subtleties of experience!

[piperdbh]

Aye, Jock, and we also miss the inflection in the voice and the raised corner of the eyebrow when we have to type our tuppence.

[kc8ufv]

W

Aha! This is why it is dangerous to take things too literally, something that the non British have a habit of doing if I may say so, anyway, you chaps are missing the point of the subtleties of experience!

Why can't people ever just say what they mean. It is so much easier to take things literally.

[Mike_Oettle]

The trouble is that no matter how we express ourselves (in writing, in speech), there is always the chance that we will be misunderstood.
I habitually explain myself as carefully as possible, but frequently I have to go back and clarify something that has been misread.
Regards,
Mike

[Pleater]

Plus the added complexity of - for instance - typing in English and reading in American. The words might look the same but have different meanings, some subtle, but sometimes entirely different.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

[Whidbey78]

I habitually explain myself as carefully as possible, but frequently I have to go back and clarify something that has been misread.
Regards,
Mike

I sympathize Mike! I may be one of the most "long-winded" people on this site, but I am frequently typing up a post to clarify a previous one's intent, meaning, message or idea. Often times I am explaining a joke due to a combination of linguistic differences, colloquialisms foreign to those living outside North America, and the fact that my sense of humor is a bit odd(to say the least).

Which brings to mind a point that I don't think has been touched on in this thread, but may be as important as using the proper fork and acquiring butter in a proper manner. What is considered "polite" conversation, especially in mixed company at the table? Subjects such as business, politics, religion or bowel resections are usually taboo unless that is WHY you are all there and it is intended to be discussed over supper rather than after, but what are the "Emily Post" rules for dinner conversation?

Also, if someone starts a conversation that is taboo, is likely to generate conflict, or is in poor taste, what is the best way to guide the conversation away from it without generating more tension or offending anyone.

[Jock Scot]

I sympathize Mike! I may be one of the most "long-winded" people on this site, but I am frequently typing up a post to clarify a previous one's intent, meaning, message or idea. Often times I am explaining a joke due to a combination of linguistic differences, colloquialisms foreign to those living outside North America, and the fact that my sense of humor is a bit odd(to say the least).

Which brings to mind a point that I don't think has been touched on in this thread, but may be as important as using the proper fork and acquiring butter in a proper manner. What is considered "polite" conversation, especially in mixed company at the table? Subjects such as business, politics, religion or bowel resections are usually taboo unless that is WHY you are all there and it is intended to be discussed over supper rather than after, but what are the "Emily Post" rules for dinner conversation?

Also, if someone starts a conversation that is taboo, is likely to generate conflict, or is in poor taste, what is the best way to guide the conversation away from it without generating more tension or offending anyone.

In the Mess(usually in the past an all male affair) we used to and at home we try to observe the custom of not mentioning a woman's name(other than those present),not talking shop(business) and not discussing religion over dinner. It is a bit tricky to find things to talk about at first! In fact with practice there is lots to discuss---even kilts and by observing this custom, a non contentious, or non boring evening should result!

To redirect the conversation if it is going off course, then the good old stalwarts of "tell me did you see the weather forecast?" or, "are you interested in Cricket?", or "are you one of the Somerset ,or, Inverness Smiths?" is a not so subtle hint that a correction of course is required!

[Tobus]

Aha! This is why it is dangerous to take things too literally, something that the non British have a habit of doing if I may say so, anyway, you chaps are missing the point of the subtleties of experience!

Uh oh, I'm afraid I'm lost again. Your description of how to properly eat peas seemed pretty specific, and I can't think of any other way to read it except literally. Is there something I'm missing here, that allows peas to be eaten with proper etiquette but doesn't require mixing them with other food?

Is it improper to just use a spoon to eat peas? And what about if the peas are served without potatoes?

What about corn?

[Jock Scot]

Uh oh, I'm afraid I'm lost again. Your description of how to properly eat peas seemed pretty specific, and I can't think of any other way to read it except literally. Is there something I'm missing here, that allows peas to be eaten with proper etiquette but doesn't require mixing them with other food?

Is it improper to just use a spoon to eat peas? And what about if the peas are served without potatoes?

What about corn?

Spoon for peas! Perish the thought! That is for babies!

The no potato problem? Easy! Use a piece of meat, or carrot,or parsnip as the foundation and pile the peas on top. A steady hand may be then needed to get it all to the mouth though!

What about corn? I assume you are talking about sweet corn, maize off the cob? Same as peas.

[Mike_Oettle]

Since the conversation has once more turned to peas (and now also mealies [corn]), I thought I would put my tuppenceworth in on this topic.
When you have peas and and other vegetables (like mashed potatoes) that can be used to adhere the peas to the fork (held tines down), it is fine to put the peas on the fork with "cement" of this nature.
But in the absence of such material on the plate, what does one do with peas and other loose, small veg?
To me the logical step would be to turn the fork over and use it like a spoon (like a spoon– actually using a spoon would be wrong).
While this brings looks of horror to the faces of many, especially our dear Jock Scot, there are times when no other solution is feasible.
Regards,
Mike