This archive report was first published on 23 November 2019.
As we approach the end of the year, many of us are looking forward to the festive season and the office parties that come with it. However, in our enthusiasm to indulge in good food and company, we often forget the importance of table manners.
According to a recent article by Austin Bukunya, published on November 23, 2019, many of us are guilty of overloading our plates with food, only to leave it uneaten. This not only leads to waste but also reflects poorly on our social etiquette.
As Bukanuya points out, table manners are not just about being polite, but also about being considerate of others. By following simple conventions such as keeping our elbows off the table and using our utensils correctly, we can create a more harmonious and enjoyable dining experience for everyone.
However, it seems that many of us have forgotten the importance of table manners. In our old times, we were taught how to set a table and use our utensils correctly, but with the advent of independence and the rise of Marxist-Leninist-Maoist ideologies, these values were seen as outdated and bourgeois.
But all is not lost. Some of our former students have taken it upon themselves to start etiquette training centres, where they are teaching us the importance of table manners and other social conventions. It's a step in the right direction, and one that we should all support.
So, as we celebrate the end of the year, let's not forget the importance of table manners. By being mindful of our actions and following simple conventions, we can create a more harmonious and enjoyable dining experience for everyone.
