We were brought up to have manners at the table, to the point of feeling like we were in the Army and sitting next to a drill sargent! No elbows, no noises, no reaching, no nothing. We used paper napkins - I use only cloth now......or my sleeve! We had to be excused from the table - we didn't just bolt when we were finished. "May I please be excused?"......... We were not allowed to root through the refrigerator for snacks etc, we had to ask. !

I think society in the US is missing the standard manners in many families. I work with some attorneys with the worst manners I have ever seen. It is not what they do, career wise, just that you would think they would care about how they appear while out/in dining with fellow workers and clients. Some children (and many grown-ups) today simply amaze me with their lack of manners. Don't get me started..... Yes, it is a slow news day!

Anyhow, I do use all my utensils and chew with my mouth CLOSED.....and do the best I can to not offend any fellow dinners.