13 Things You Should Never Say to Someone You’re Dining With (Unless You Want to Make It Awkward)

13 Things You Should Never Say to Someone You’re Dining With (Unless You Want to Make It Awkward)

Going out to dinner is one of life’s little luxuries. Whether it’s a romantic partner, your family, or your friends, there’s something special about gathering around the table and enjoying great food and drink. But sometimes, we say things that can totally kill the vibe without even realizing it. Whether it’s an innocent joke that lands wrong or a comment that comes off as judgmental, these little slip-ups can turn a great meal into an awkward one real fast. Here are 13 things you should never say at the dinner table unless you’re trying to make everyone uncomfortable.

1. “Are You Really Going to Eat All That?”

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Let’s be real—nobody wants to feel judged about how much food they have on their plate. Saying this makes it sound like you’re keeping tabs on their portion sizes, and that’s a one-way ticket to making someone feel self-conscious. Just let people eat what they want without the side-eye or the commentary.

2. “You Shouldn’t Be Eating That on Your Diet”

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Who made you the diet police? Unless someone specifically asked for your input, pointing out that they’re “cheating” on their diet is not only unhelpful, it’s plain rude. It just makes them feel guilty or like they’re being watched. Let them enjoy their treat without the guilt trip—trust us, they already know it’s not celery.

3. “That’s Gross, How Can You Eat That?”

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Okay, so maybe you’re not into oysters or that dish they ordered, but calling their food gross is a big no-no. A basic rule of etiquette is to not yuck someone else’s yum. Respect people’s tastes, and remember that it’s not your plate—you don’t have to eat it.

4. “This Reminds Me of My Last Diet Plan…”

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Nothing kills the mood like a deep dive into your diet history when everyone’s just trying to enjoy their meal. Talking about how many carbs you cut or how kale changed your life is not exactly the dinner conversation most people are craving. Keep the diet chat for the gym or your nutritionist, not the dinner table.

5. “Can We Split the Bill Evenly?” (When You Ordered Way Less)

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Suggesting to split the bill evenly when you know you barely touched the menu compared to everyone else is like asking to pay for a meal you didn’t have. If you stuck to water and a salad while they ordered appetizers and cocktails, it’s totally okay to politely ask to pay for just your portion. Fair is fair, right?

6. “I’m Just Trying to Eat Clean; That Stuff’s Terrible for You”

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We get it—you’re into your clean-eating lifestyle. But knocking someone else’s cheesy pasta or deep-fried goodness because it doesn’t fit your diet is a total dinner table buzzkill. There’s a time and place to share your health tips, but while someone’s happily eating their favorite dish isn’t it.

7. “How Much Do You Think All This Costs?”

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Talking about money while you’re mid-meal can make things super uncomfortable. Bringing up the cost of the dinner can make people feel weird or guilty about splurging. Let’s keep the conversation on the food and the company, not the credit card bill that’s coming later.

8. “You Eat Like a Bird!”

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Pointing out how little someone is eating might seem like a cute observation, but it’s honestly just incredibly rude. Maybe they’re not that hungry, or they just have a smaller appetite. Either way, commenting on their eating habits puts them on the spot. Let them eat (or not eat) in peace.

9. “Do You Know How Many Calories Are in That?”

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Nobody’s counting calories when they’re digging into a plate of nachos or a slice of cheesecake—at least, they don’t want to be. Bringing up the calorie count is like sucking the joy out of their guilty pleasure. Going out for dinner is a once-in-a-while treat for some people, so save the nutritional facts for another time and just let them savor the moment.

10. “You Must Be Starving to Eat That Much”

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Saying this might sound like a joke, but it can make someone feel super judged about their appetite. Whether they’re enjoying a second helping or just really hungry, pointing it out makes them feel like they have to defend their food choices. When it comes to other people’s eating habits, it’s best to just mind your own business.

11. “I Don’t Like This Place—We Should’ve Gone Somewhere Else”

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Complaining about the restaurant after you’ve already ordered is like throwing a wet blanket over the whole dining experience. If you had preferences, the time to speak up was before the reservation was made. Once you’re there, don’t kill the vibe by complaining. Instead, focus on enjoying the time with your company instead of whining about the restaurant.

12. “Oh, I Can’t Believe You’re Still Single!”

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Bringing up someone’s relationship status during a meal? Yikes. This kind of comment can be awkward and uncomfortable, especially in a group setting. Being a great dinner guest means knowing what to talk about at the dinner table and what not to talk about. Let’s stick to light-hearted topics that won’t make anyone feel like they’re on the hot seat for their personal life choices.

13. “I’m Not Sure I Can Afford to Eat Here”

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Announcing that you’re worried about the cost after everyone’s already sitting down is a sure way to make things awkward. If budget is a concern, you probably should have mentioned it before the restaurant was chosen, so everyone could agree on a place that suits their wallets. If money is a concern, stick to water and a small appetizer rather than bringing up your finances to everyone.