Mind Your Ps and Qs

This is all about etiquette and table manners.

The phrase originally comes from the words pints and quarts of alcohol that patrons consume in pubs and taverns in the seventeenth century, which bartenders would keep a watch on.

Now the phrase loosely means "mind your manners", "mind your language", "be on your best behaviour" or the like.

I also love the queen of proper American etiquette and manners Miss Emily Post. And here's what I've learned after reading her first full-length biography titled "Emily Post: Daughter of the Gilded Age, Mistress of American Manners (2008) by Laura Claridge.

ONE: Ask for what you want. If you would like something at the table, ask for it. It is impolite to reach in front of someone or beyond where you can easily reach.

TWO: Pass utensils correctly. Pass a fork, spoon or knife by the handle in a way that you don't injure the person receiving it.

THREE: Try it. Even if you think you will not like what is being served, it is proper to try a little of everything. You might be surprised!

FOUR: Don't talk with your mouth full. Just as you would not like to look at someone else's half-chewed dinner, so give a thought for the others at the table.

FIVE: Chew your food. Don't gobble down your food. Besides getting indigestion, you are likely to get stares from your dining companions.

SIX: Be friendly. At a party or large gathering you can make others feel at ease by talking with them and generally being friendly. It will make you feel more comfortable too.

SEVEN: Topics for conversation. It is good manners to talk about pleasant things while eating. Resist the urge to bring up unpleasant or disgusting subjects.

EIGHT: Thank your host/hostess. If you have been invited to a friend's house for a meal, don't forget to say thanks to your friend and his/her parents.