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Regarding etiquette in restaurant seating
by , 25 Sep 2010 at 08:06 PM (42565 Views)
When my wife and I go to a restaurant and sit down for a meal, we usually sit across from each other in a booth. The booth feels comfortable to me probably mostly because it seems more enclosed than a set of seats situated around a table, and I think I prefer it because it's something which is unique to a dining experience. I can sit at a table when I'm eating at home; dining out is something which is to be enjoyed for it being a rare occasion.
From what I can tell, though - and I'm not sure exactly when I really started to make a distinct effort in observing this but it seems like this is a growing trend - our seating arrangements in dining out are in the minority, at least when it comes to a couple. What seems to be occurring more frequently is that couples will sit at a table and sit next to each other on the corner of the table instead of sitting across from each other.
In general, a restaurant table isn't the most expansive area for eating and the space available is limited. When seated in adjacent corners, the amount of room you have to position yourself and your food becomes even more limited because it encroaches upon that of your companion. In addition, and what I would consider to be even more important, is that sitting in corners makes you lose the immediacy of facing your companion and always having each other's attention. When seated across from each other, I know exactly who both her and my attention is most focused on - each other. This arrangement compels us to converse with each other or at least serve as a reminder of the purpose of even going to the restaurant - to share a meal and an experience together. I don't see how sharing a corner of a table can convey the same feeling - so why does it seem like an increasing number of couples don't agree on this perspective?
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