What manners?

My mother always told me since I was young that I should go to "manners school." I think in english that translates to 'A class designed to survive in higher class society.' It never really made any sense to me because there was no need to entertain high class society nor were my manners particularly poor. I'm not sure whether telling me I should go to class to improve my etiquette was a bad reflection on her behalf since she would be the one involved with my upbringing.. but never mind!

probably what mother envisioned
picture reproduced from quitecontinental.net

Another year, my cousin gave me a book called 'Miss Manners' - not sure whether it was a joke or whether she was hinting that I had poor manners, perhaps both.

Anyways, being a medic destroys all kinds of manners - you wave hello whilst you continue walking, you eat your lunch whilst you're walking. It's only when you're at a social event that one may smarten up a bit (although some may disagree). Also, my posture has definitely deteriorated since coming to med school - I will complain of kyphosis in my early 40s and already have a degree of scoliosis.

But also manners also depends on the perception. Globally, I believe there are some set terms of 'etiquette' but other times it is quite variable. Should we slurp when we drink our soup, or use a spoon and turn it outwards? What may be acceptable in one culture may be disgraceful in another.

Have you come across any 'etiquette' issues that have surprised you? Please do share!

Love,
Carmen
xxx