When you’re out to eat with someone, whether it’s a colleague, close friend, or even a date, conversation can make the meal a lot more enjoyable. However, there are certain things you should never say to the person you’re dining with, no matter how well you know them. If you do, don’t be surprised if the meal (and the relationship!) turns into a bit of a disaster.
1. “You’re really going to order that? It looks unhealthy…”
Unsolicited commentary on anyone’s food choices is a major no-no. It’s judgmental and implies their order is somehow morally wrong. Maybe they’re celebrating a special occasion, maybe it’s a carefully calculated cheat meal, or maybe they simply love indulging. Let them enjoy their food without your diet-related opinions. As Yahoo News notes, criticizing the way someone else eats is annoying at best and can be extremely triggering at worst.
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2. “This place is SO expensive!” (Especially if you’re being treated)
If you’re the guest, commenting on the price is incredibly rude. It makes your host feel uncomfortable since it implies they’re either careless with money or that the cost is a burden. If you were the one suggesting the place, own your choice. Don’t whine about the prices in front of your dining companion, making them regret indulging in a nice meal.
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3. “I am SO full… I couldn’t eat another bite.”
This is particularly cringeworthy if their plate is still half-full. It’s a subtle way of judging them or implying they’re overindulging even if they’re not. Focus on your own meal and enjoyment. If asked directly, you can say something noncommittal, like, “That was delicious, I’m feeling pretty satisfied.”
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4. Detailed descriptions of your dietary restrictions, allergies, or food aversions
When ordering, it’s obviously necessary to communicate allergies to the server. However, turning the conversation into a monologue about your complicated dietary needs is unnecessary. Avoid listing every ingredient you despise or going into the nitty-gritty of your latest gut health cleanse unless your companion genuinely asks for elaborations.
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5. Long, graphic stories about past food poisoning experiences
Nobody wants to hear tales of digestive distress while tucking into their meal. Even if it’s a funny anecdote, save it for later. Mealtimes should bring up images of deliciousness and enjoyment. Your stories, however hilarious in another context, will make your dining partner lose their appetite.
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6. “Are you going to finish that?” (And variations of food policing)
Don’t hover like a vulture or ask pressuring questions about whether they’ll eat their leftovers. It’s their food, and what they do with it is none of your business. This behavior comes across as critical and makes the person feel self-conscious about their meal choices, whether they’re opting for a smaller portion or a decadent plate.
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7. “You should really try this… just one bite!”
Even with good intentions, pushing your food on someone is rude. They might dislike a particular ingredient, have allergies the waiter wasn’t informed about, or simply prefer their own order. Respect their choices, and don’t make declining your enthusiastic offering an awkward encounter for them.
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8. Launching into a lengthy monologue about a work problem or venting about drama
Mealtimes are for enjoying good food and good company. Unless the other person asks or expresses interest, don’t hijack the conversation with a detailed breakdown of your stressful day or gossip. A lighthearted comment on a work annoyance is fine, but don’t turn them into your unpaid venting session – it spoils the enjoyable atmosphere.
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9. “Can I try some of yours?” (Before they’ve even taken a bite)
Sharing food can be fun with close friends, but don’t assume this liberty. Let the person enjoy a few bites of their own dish before making the request. And if they decline, respect their choice without sulking. Maybe they’re savoring each flavor, have a small appetite, or simply don’t feel like sharing at that moment.
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10. Making loud, obnoxious comments about other diners
People-watching can be amusing, but whispering snarky comments about the couple arguing at the next table or loudly critiquing someone’s outfit is rude. It creates a negative atmosphere, and the person you’re eating with might feel embarrassed to be associated with your lack of tact. Keep your observations to yourself or, if you must comment, do so with playful humor rather than blatant judgment.
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11. “I’m SO bored.”
If the conversation isn’t riveting, don’t make the other person feel responsible for single-handedly entertaining you. Find ways to contribute – ask questions to get to know them better, find common interests, or suggest shifting to a livelier location after your meal if the energy is lagging. Broadcasting your boredom is unkind and makes for an awkward dining experience for everyone.
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12. Complaining excessively about the service or making a scene
If there’s a genuine issue with your food (cold, undercooked, wrong order), discreetly bring it to the waiter’s attention. However, don’t turn the meal into a critique session, nitpicking every little thing, Southern Living urges. If there are long delays or significant problems, ask to speak to a manager calmly, rather than creating a scene that ruins the ambiance for everyone in the restaurant.
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13. Fiddling with your phone constantly, especially when the other person is talking
It’s tempting to check notifications, but resist the urge. Put your phone away and be present with the person you’re sharing a meal with. If you’re expecting an urgent call, apologize in advance, but otherwise, let your phone hibernate during a social, shared meal. Constantly glancing at it is disrespectful and sends the message that you’d rather be scrolling than engaging with the person you’re eating with.
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14. “Oh, I never eat carbs/sugar/meat/gluten/etc.”
Announcing your dietary restrictions unprompted comes across as either self-righteous or attention-seeking. It subtly judges the other person’s food choices, even if that’s not your intent. Order what you need to, but don’t feel compelled to broadcast your personal food philosophy over appetizers.
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15. Oversharing about your latest health issues
Unless it directly impacts your meal (needing a dish prepared without certain ingredients due to an allergy), spare your dining buddy the medical updates. Descriptions of recent bathroom troubles or a rundown of your current medication regimen are best saved for your doctor, not the dinner table.
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16. Announcing you’re only having water to drink.
This implies you’re judging people for enjoying a glass of wine or a cocktail. It creates an awkward pressure where they might feel scrutinized or the need to justify their drink order. Unless you have strong personal reasons for abstaining, it’s generally best to just order what you want without commentary on anyone else’s choices.
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