Whether you’re eating with a group of friends or your family at home or in a restaurant, maintaining proper dining etiquette can enhance the experience. Not only will your dining companions take note of your more elevated aesthetic (and behavior), but you’ll feel better about yourself and your meal too. And even if you don't know the ins and outs of dining manners, there is one common dining habit that you should stop doing (don't worry, it's an easy one to remember). Mealtimes are a way to connect with the food you’re enjoying and the people sitting beside you. So you want to ensure you’re not doing anything to dampen that experience. And again, unless you went to finishing school and are educated about every dining etiquette rule, you probably don't know whether or not you’re abiding by it. But there are definitely eating habits that are obviously inappropriate. Parade spoke to Myka Meier, etiquette expert and founder of Beaumont Etiquette, to learn more about one of the most popular dinnertime habits many people engage in (which might include you) that you can (and should) make a conscious effort to put an end to ASAP. Related: Is 'No Response' Actually a Response? How To Know, According to an Etiquette Expert
The dinnertime habit Meier is begging people to quit? Talking with your mouth full. “It’s when someone speaks while still chewing food (often mid-bite!) instead of waiting to finish and swallow before responding,” Meier describes.Although it might seem like common sense to chew with your mouth closed, you might be surprised by how many people consciously or subconsciously engage in conversations with heaps of food in their mouths.“Most often it’s [talking with your mouth open while eating] out of excitement to join the conversation or from a fear of missing the moment to chime in," Meier explains. Despite the reason behind it (even if it's a positive one), it's still not ideal. “It’s unpleasant and unappetizing for those around you," she says. "[It] can come across as sloppy, food can come out and it distracts from the dining experience for everyone." Related: An Etiquette Expert Is Begging People To Stop This 'Rude' Habit in Social Settings
How To Stop Talking With Your Mouth Full
Even though most people don’t mean to do it, unfortunately, it still happens. However, the good news is that the habit can be stopped (or at least worked on). Meier notes that one of the first things you can do to prevent yourself from talking with your mouth full is to take smaller bites. Smaller bites should make it easier for you to keep your mouth closed while chewing, so your food doesn’t have to be on display for everyone else. Breathing through your nose also helps, she adds. Another action you can take to stop talking with your mouth full is simply slowing down and taking a beat.“Simply pause, finish chewing, then join in—people are usually happy to wait a moment for a thoughtful (and polite!) reply,” says Meier. Don’t be afraid that you’ll let the moment pass to finish chewing (and swallowing) your food. Odds are high that the rest of your table needs to finish chewing their food to provide thoughtful and poised responses as well. Although this may take time, patience and practice to break, your dining companions will appreciate your efforts to make your meal more enjoyable.Related: 13 Surprising Habits That Make You 'Instantly Likable,' Psychologists Say
Even when you do your best not to talk with your mouth full, you may encounter some situations while dining where you have no other choice and just need to do it anyway. For example, if there is an emergency (or you aren’t feeling well) and you need to communicate with your tablemates, it is permissible for you to open your mouth and speak while chewing. If you’re by yourself in a private setting, talking with your mouth full can be done (if, say, you’re on the phone or shouting something to your roommate in another room). That being said, while doing so may not look unappealing to others (only because no one else is around), it may be more difficult for whomever you’re speaking with to understand what you’re saying. And, you might even get some food on the floor or around you’re dining area if you’re not paying extra special attention. “If I must say something urgently, I’ll politely cover my mouth and keep it brief, then apologize and finish chewing,” adds Meier. Up Next:
Related: An Etiquette Expert Is Begging You to Never, Ever Show Up to a Party at This Time
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Myka Meier, etiquette expert and founder of Beaumont Etiquette. Read More Details
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