Q. I am at a dinner and the man on my right won’t turn and I am staring ahead feeling ultra self-conscious and victimy. The table is too wide for the people opposite to help out. What to do?
– L.P., London W11
A. Twenty years ago the answer to this question would have been: ‘Place your hand on to the offender’s thigh.’ Today you will need to get the attention of your host at the head of the table and give a subtle signal that a disruption is called for. An experienced host will break the spell by clinking a glass and making a pleasant announcement of some kind and adding that he/she hopes everyone has turned.
Q. What is the etiquette when sitting next to someone on a plane? It seems odd to sit closer than you would to your own partner without some sort of acknowledgment. Recently I turned to my fellow passenger and said ‘Hello, I’m John’ brightly.
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