I’m from what I call a bachelor’s household. We do not have family dinner at a table, we rarely use coasters and almost never have to say “pass the bread please!” Personally, I’m not too keen on the whole ‘get your elbows off the table’ bit. I think as long as you’re comfortable and not making a complete fool out of yourself, talking with food and your mouth and/or being sloppy then you’re perfectly fine to eat over at my place.

Yesterday, I had one of my leadership meetings with a club I’m in called CYL. We get to miss a complete full day of school, totally excused! I went to a French restaurant with the rest of the members and we had to dress up all nice so I wore a business suit:

The luncheon itself was nice over all. Before we ate, we had to have a session on etiquette. All though the information we received was beneficial, I found myself jerking my head; when I was near sleep waking back up and throwing my attention to whoever was speaking. Some of the most important people in my city attended the lunch with us, including my school’s superintendent. I even got to shake hands and socialize with the Senator (whom I’ll be seeing more of because I’m apart of her State-wide student council). She was really nice and I’m grateful for the opportunity.

When the entire thing was over, I became aware that there is really an art to eating in the corporate world and fine dining. So much to remember… which for to use, which utensils are on the left, right, etc. There is even a way to determine the menu just by looking at the table setting. That, I never knew and that would have to be one of the most interesting things I got out of yesterdays session. After that, we talked briefly about how to dress for certain occasions, how to answer the telephone (Who would have thought!!). Some things are just common sense and they were literally making us more confused in their demonstrations. In the no so literal sense, I had to eat my brain out. Never again will I look at passing the rolls as just “passing the rolls”. *sarcastic laugh*

Despite the boredom and strain to keep my attention span at a full 100, the information was benfefical nonetheless. Leaving the restaurant, I felt a bit more professional knowing that next time I’m around important people, I can shake their hand confidently rather than worrying about what wrong move to make next. I’m looking forward to other meetings and will keep you guys posted.

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