Dear Queenie,
My boyfriend often picks up his food with his fingers instead of using a fork, or if he uses a fork he will use his fingers to push the food onto his fork instead of using a knife or a piece of bread, and then he will lick his fingers instead of using a napkin.
I know this is how he was brought up, because I have seen his parents eat the same way, but I find it gross and I worry about how it will affect him socially when he does it in public.
Queenie, how can I teach him to do better?—Embarrassed
Dear Embarrassed,
Be honest with him (gently, tactfully, please) and offer to teach him how these things are done in our society. I just hope he will be willing to work with you on this.
