I've noticed something recently about dining in France.
You see, I like to pride myself by saying, "I am observant. I notice little, the most unimportant details when many do not." This is not a favorable quality to have. In my case noticing details can appear that I have anal tendencies. And I do. So lately, I have been trying to let things be. Notice them but not reacting to them. It isn't easy to let things be when they are not the way I think they should be.
After twenty some years of living in France I realized the other day a detail that had slipped by my attention.
In France, when one sits down to have a meal one is not to grab the napkin and put it on one's lap. Instead one waits, until the first plate is served. Then at that point one takes the napkin, placing it on their lap.
How did that detail slide by me for all these years? I have ruined my children's future lunch interviews for life (I like to exaggerate this is a fact.).
Have you ever noticed that our past experieces can blind us to what is really evident? I have taken my napkin off the table and put it on my lap as I was taught to do since childhood.
Oh my faux pas number one in a million… but here is the best deal yet… what one hasn't known doesn't hurt them, especially if it is a napkin amongst family and freinds.
Leave a Reply