Manners Matter

After having sat through a very long family dinner, and having an etiquette class last Saturday, I am slowly realizing that manners do matter. 

I am probably the last person that should be preaching the merit of manners. I am a horrible messy person, and on most occasions you will find me as the least-lady-like person in the room. Yet, when the occasion calls for it, I can be extremely lady like. I will not talk about politics, mention how much something costs, nor will I put my elbows on the table.  I will also put my knife on the plate, with the sharp side pointing towards me. 

And this leads me to my next point; a simple list of my biggest manner pet peeves:

       1. When people talk about how much money something cost.

                This is my number one for a reason. I cannot stress how absolute tacky it is to brag about how much you spend on something. The only reason it is ever done is to show off how much you have, when it does the opposite. It reveals what a shallow person you are that you let materialistic items define your worth to other people. 

         Example: "Don't you love this couch? I spent $1600 on it. A little pricy, but so worth it."

                         "Tell you're father that I have a tool he can borrow! It's a $200 dollar tool."

      2. Chewing with your mouth open. 

                I'm sorry, but if I wanted to see how food looked mashed up, I'd give it to my one year old cousin. I have no interest in how the turkey looks in your mouth, or waving around on your fork while you loudly yell about something. 

        Example: "And then *chewchewchew* he did that! *points with piece of food on fork*

      3. When people talk about politics or other controversial subjects and don't let the other person have an opinion. 

           I think this one is really self-explanatory. It's quite annoying when some tries to shove their views down your throat and refuse to listen to any other opinions. It's rude and boastful.