Using correct cutlery

I don't eat out all that often, but I do know how to use the silver. My Aunt used to work at the Masonic Temple and I would go with her to set the tables for the banquets. I loved that. I don't think social graces are a waste of time at all. Sometimes when I'm at a restaurant, I am just appalled at some children's table manners. I've seen them throw food, scream and stand on the table. I always say that I am glad they are not mine. lol I won't go to buffets because I've seen too many children with their hands in the food. Their parents act like they don't notice. I think it would be nice for every child to learn a little about social graces. After all, we claim to be a civilized society.

I know it's usually just a matter of working from the outside in for the cutlery. We rarely go anywhere that fancy anymore that I have to worry about more than a salad and dinner fork, and one knife and one spoon. I think some table manners are important, chewing with mouth closed, not talking on cell phone at the table, not slurping...but some details of etiquette are a bit silly...spooning soup away from you, placing used cutlery at a special angle on the plate to show you're finished...

Well unless i am meeting a customer or having a special date , or else i won't care about my table manners after all i am the customer.

I don't think that's important now a days unless you are in a formal dinner with a very important person. Here in the Philippines, we are used to eating food with spoon and fork only, we use the spoon to cut our food and its a normal sight even in expensive restos here. For me, social graces or table manners should not be limited to our knowledge in using the correct cutlery. It is hor we deal with other people in the table and guarding our attitudes and things we say that is more important that our ability to use the correct spoon or knives.