The Sunday News
IT’S now holiday time. Some of you will visit relatives, attend weddings and church gatherings. When you visit, kindly take note of the following:
Never insult the food or how it has been prepared when you are a guest. The salt and cooking oil might be too much, try to use wisdom to inform them about it.
Even if you receive a small portion, eat quietly. Food that is cooked at weddings or church functions is usually donated by a few individuals. Some even sacrifice so that the event is successful. Avoid commenting and criticising things that you are not well aware of. In some instances, people who cook at church gatherings are volunteers, they volunteered their precious time to cook that food for you.
When you attend weddings eat properly. Take small portions and chew properly. Don’t fill your mouth with food. Have table manners. Don’t talk when you are eating. Finish the food in your mouth first and then talk.
It’s good to dish out the food that you will eat. It’s not good to leave a lot of leftovers in your plate, when you knew that the food was too much. It’s better to remove excess food before you start eating.
Take your time to chew your food and swallow. Try to use the cutlery provided. In as much as you will be used to eating with your own hands, try practicing how to use fork and knife. It’s good to practice using these when you are alone so that you won’t have problems or are embarrassed when you visit others.
Patiently wait for your turn to receive food in a queue, don’t skip others to be at the front. Remember they will be elderly people, respect them and wait for your turn. If your plate is dished with food take it, don’t continue starring at the waiter asking for more food. Collect your drink and return to your sitting position.
Don’t try drinking alcohol or smoking on such events. Remain an integral person and follow the principles that you set for yourself. Some learners have destroyed themselves on these church gatherings and weddings or family events. Those two minutes will haunt you for life.
Dress decently and cover your body. Yes, it’s a wedding day, but dress nicely, have a dignified style. Your body is gold, it should not be revealed to anyone else. To be smart and classy doesn’t mean that you should be half naked. If you expose your body you are attracting people to bother you. Everyone will stare at you and you won’t feel comfortable.
Use the toilets properly, flush after having your number two. Remember so many people will be using the same toilet, so leave the toilets clean.
On these gatherings, some steal other people’s possessions. Be content with what you have. Avoid stealing, imagine being caught, that will be an embarrassment. You won’t enjoy the wedding or church gathering.
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Dr Manners Msongelwa
+263 771 019 392
Author/ Youth Coach / Teacher
