5 dining habits that instantly expose your social status in restaurants
How you conduct yourself while dining outside reveals more about you than you might think. These five habits will instantly expose your social status in restaurants
Fine dining is a form of art, and thus, it isn't just about where you dine — but how you do it.
In a world where everything feels like a sign, actions speak louder than words and can instantly exude energy that adds to your charm or robs it completely.
Think of how you felt when someone was condescending to a server, or the group on the next table who was too loud to bear. While what makes human behavior intriguing is the individuality it brings forth, there's certain social faux pas that might be doing more harm than good.
Your behavior while dining out signals various things — your class, level of empathy, social awareness and more.
READ MORE: 'I had dinner with David and Victoria Beckham – her behavior would surprise many'READ MORE: One peculiar eating habit could be sign of dementia5 dining habits that reveal your social status
1.) Being rude to the service workers
The way we interact with service staff is a great indicator of social class — not necessarily in terms of wealth but how we move through the world and fathom our place in it. When someone snaps at the waiter or the host, it speaks volumes about their character and level of dignity. Sometimes this can also look like being impatient while waiting for your order.
Being impatient signals entitlement, and disrespect towards the kitchen staff. Treating every person with respect is not a benchmark, it's the bare minimum.
2.) Needlessly altering a regular menu item
There's definitely exceptions to this rule: If you have an allergy, it's important to let the server know. But in general, trying to entirely change a menu item or have the restaurant make you something brand new from scratch comes across as entitled, bratty and difficult to please. In some cases, it might even come off as bragging or showing off your own expertise.
Usually, a restaurant's menu has been thoughtfully crafted with expert knowledge of ingredients and flavor profiles that work well together.
3.) Speaking too loudly
A restaurant is a shared social setting, and the volume of your voice can also reveal volumes about your etiquette. Laughing boisterously, arguing loudly, and the worst of all, being oblivious to the disruption you are causing, might come off as undignified.
The most elegant diners are aware of their environment, have controlled volume and maintain basic decorum in order to respect other diners.
4.) Ignoring the dress code
Walking into a formal setting in flip-flops and shorts will serve as an instant put-off, revealing your social class. It's not about fashion trends, elitism or being a snob — but respecting the establishment and the guidelines it comes with.
When you dress according to the setting, you're signaling respect for the ambiance of a dining experience.
5.) Not tipping enough
Tipping is indicative of your respect for not just the service but the dining establishment itself. Those who tip appropriately signal an understanding of how the service industry works. In many places around the world, servers survive on these tips — and not tipping enough, or at all, can indicate an arrogant attitude.
Click here to follow the Mirror US on Google News to stay up to date with all the latest news, sports and entertainment stories.