How to be a good dinner guest in France

You know, when I see foreigners come to the United States, I see them eating as they normally would. The Europeans don't change hands with their forks as we do. The Japanese often use chopsticks. I don't think any less of them for using their traditions. They are comfortable with what they do and how they eat their food. They are good dinner guests because they visited. So why should an American in Europe or Asia be embarrassed about how we eat our foods when visiting?

To the stuffy "experts", I say "There is no "best" way to do things and there is nothing wrong with your traditions so "Stick it!"

I have long eaten with my fork not changing hands. I have found the European way more convenient, not by going over there and emulating them, but long ago when I saw them here in the U.S. eating their way. I tried it and liked it better. But I never would have discovered it had they tried to be a good "dinner guest" in the U.S.

Thanks for posting this article, Thomas, but I would urge readers to not take it too seriously. These are local customs and not expected of tourists in cafes and restaurants.

It's far more important to practice the basic niceties of greetings, saying please and thank you and always asking if someone speaks English before just ordering in English.

I have a deep respect for French customs and culture, but there is NO WAY I am wearing high heels every evening! ;)

One thing I've found that they like: when refreshing your wine glass, always pour for someone else first. Folks in both France and Spain appreciate that sort of thing...

One thing I've found that they like: when refreshing your wine glass, always pour for someone else first. Folks in both France and Spain appreciate that sort of thing...

I am sure that everywhere people would appreciate someone courteous enough to offer to others before refilling one's glass or taking an extra piece of bread or...