Lunch with my co-workers

redwingsgal · ‎03-10-2010

I work in a corporate office setting, my department has 13 people, including out boss. We celebrate every birthday by going to lunch at a restaurant chosen by the birthday person. I am appalled at the lack of manners that all 12 of these people display, no matter where we go. For example, grabbing the rolls with bare hands to pull off the one they want, cutting part of the appitizer with their used utensils to get the part they want, asking for a taste from someone else's plate. I am no Emily Post, but the way the act every time we go out is disgusting to me! The boss always orders several appetizers to be shared by everyone, and if the plate is not place near me so that I can take the first piece, I usually do not eat any of it!

Any suggestions on how I can get out of these lunches without making it obvious??!! I even left work sick one day just before we were leaving so I did not have to go!!!

Thanks for letting me rant!!! Have a great weekend!!!

I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend, til death, your right to say it

Lipstickdiva · ‎03-10-2010

So I guess telling them they are disgusting and you aren't going isn't an option?

BabyYoda · ‎03-09-2010

I can only suggest you order your own appetizer or salad and order your main meal. Then when food comes don't look at anyone. Just look down and eat your food. I know it's hard but you can't say anything to them because they will not like that and you become the bad person for saying something about their bad manners. I understand how you feel because when I was in the corporate sales world I had to take out heads of companies and if you saw how they behaved at meals and would drink alcohol in excess you would be surprised at what I experienced.

software · ‎06-08-2016

Don't partake in the appetizers. Or try to be the first to sample.

No need to draw attention to the rude ones.

The purpose is not the food, it's the comaraderie and to celebrate the birthday.

Put it in perspective and be glad you don't have to LIVE with them!

@redwingsgal wrote:
I work in a corporate office setting, my department has 13 people, including out boss. We celebrate every birthday by going to lunch at a restaurant chosen by the birthday person. I am appalled at the lack of manners that all 12 of these people display, no matter where we go. For example, grabbing the rolls with bare hands to pull off the one they want, cutting part of the appitizer with their used utensils to get the part they want, asking for a taste from someone else's plate. I am no Emily Post, but the way the act every time we go out is disgusting to me! The boss always orders several appetizers to be shared by everyone, and if the plate is not place near me so that I can take the first piece, I usually do not eat any of it!
Any suggestions on how I can get out of these lunches without making it obvious??!! I even left work sick one day just before we were leaving so I did not have to go!!!
Thanks for letting me rant!!! Have a great weekend!!!

freakygirl · ‎07-03-2014

i'm a stickler for manners and etiquette, so i can empathize with you. i think it will be too obvious if you never join them, so i guess once in a while should be good enough. just eat what you can get a first of, then focus on socializing until your food is served. good luck with the next birthday lunch!

freakygirl · ‎07-03-2014

software, "be glad you don't LIVE with them!" that made me laugh! mom and dad were strict about manners. to this day, i can't tolerate bad ones. makes me cringe.

blondiechick · ‎12-13-2010

What really makes me sick is when people touch the menus at the restaurant and do not wash there hands afterwards.....do you know how many people have touched that menu before you! Yuck!!!

redwingsgal · ‎03-10-2010

Thanks for all of the great replies! And yes, @software, I am very glad I do not live with them. As many stated, it is the company that is important, not the manners. But, oye, my Mom is rolling over in her grave!!!

Have a great weekend!!

I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend, til death, your right to say it