Jesus, are people really that disgusting that they need these on a list?

Most of that is just common sense...whole list can be boiled down to "Don't be a twat".

I give a fairly standard 20% tip for average "doing your job" service.
If you impress me, I go pretty high.

Make my drinks strong? You'll be rolling in dough by the end of the night. ;)

Those people live off those tips, so I have a soft spot for that. In fact one time at a restaurant/bar in Seattle (Six Arms, for those in the know), I overheard a waiter complaining to another how a table completely ignored the tip on like a 150.00 dollar order. I felt so bad for him that I tipped my tip and then an additional percentage of 150.00 for the other table...

I just hate seeing people bust ass (which they were, it was a busy night) and seeing people suffer for a piece of shit who's too cheap to eat out properly.


As for the list in the original post...*sigh*, it's embarrassing to me that people do that stuff. Manners are the first thing a parent should be teaching. If you don't have that much, your parents sucked.
-D

abso-fucking-lutely

I think anyone who has ever worked in the service industry are generally good tippers. I waited tables for exactly 3 months and it was the worst fucking job I ever had. Therefore, I always make sure to tip well, 20-25% standard, more if they're excellent. The only time I've ever not tipped was when I ordered, ate and then realized I forgot my wallet and had to dine&dash. (Which was only once.)

As for the rules, those are just common sense. The only one I can see an exception to would be coughing. Sometimes that just can't be helped. Of course you cover your mouth and if a coughing fit ensues, head for the restroom, but let's face it.... If you've ever inhaled while drinking anything, you've probably coughed at the table before. It happens.

I tend to think it's a bad idea to go out for dinner on the first (or second or thrid) date anyway. As was mentioned earlier in the thread late afternoon coffee or early evening drinks is a much better option. Use that time to see if you hit it off, pay a little attnetion then you know what sort of things this person likes so you second date can be something in that vein, preferably something active dancing, parklands walking stuff like that.

I mean really, even at best watching people eat is not a wonderful thing to do, and if your nervous or drinking your manners may slip and then you look like an ass. If you have been out with a person a few times they are more likely to let poor manners slide. Still most of the things on that list are ATROCIOUS bad manners and well... yeah if you do those sort of things you should stop, on a date or otherwise.

On the first date? I can't think of too many times I'd be talking about sex shortly after meeting someone, I'd hate to come off as easy. :p

Yea. Urge must be in a hurry. :D

Well at least he's being straightforward, not making anyone guess....;)

True that.

But that's not nessecarily a good move on a first date.

"Thank you for a lovely dinner. Wanna go hump?"

I'd avoid the "dinner date".
Nothing more awkward than sitting close, watching eachother eat when you're still new.
Other than, just don't be full of shit, have unrealistic expectations, or treat anyone (her included) poorly - People always have a bad side, but "first impressions" could dictate how a person sees you in the long run.

Adding salt to the meal before tasting it

should definitely not trump

Getting drunk