MANNERS: How are your manners?

Do people cringe when they see you coming? Do they put in earbuds knowing that you talk very loudly? Do you crowd other people’s personal space?

It may be time to review that list of manners once again, and put in a bit of practice. Sure, some people talk loudly because of hearing problems or because the timbre of their voice tends to carry. Are people backing up, or are they asking you to repeat yourself? Consider your volume, and look for moderation.

Be aware that many people are uncomfortable with others getting too close. Respect one’s personal space. About 2 to 4 feet away from someone is considered a good distance for someone you know, according to psychologists.

Don’t interrupt others, wait your turn in a conversation and listen attentively when someone is talking. At the same time, don’t monopolize the conversation.

Table manners can be difficult to master, as there are many. The easiest ones to remember, and ones that will be appreciated by fellow diners, are to chew with your mouth closed and don’t make noise while eating. Do not talk with your mouth full. Use utensils, and not your hands. Keep elbows off the table, and don’t reach in front of others; ask for items to be passed.

And in today’s society, leave the all-important phone alone!

That text or call can wait. If it can’t, ask to be excused and take it elsewhere. No one at the table or in the vicinity needs to hear the conversation.

These seem obvious, do they not? Yet we’ve all suffered through breeches in etiquette by others that we simply cannot forget.