Dining table habits that annoy guests

Don't think about the seat

If you're hosting a dinner party, relationship and body language expert Nicole Moore recommends seating everyone appropriately. "Many guests feel awkward when they approach the dinner table and don't know where to sit, which can lead to them choosing a seat that isn't what they want. Don't go to great lengths to greet your guests and then forget to tell them where to sit," Moore says.

Even if you don't want to set strict seating requirements, it's a good idea to give guests some suggestions so they don't feel confused or pressured.

Using the phone at the dinner table

When hosting a dinner party, keep your phone off the table. As a host, it's important to make your guests feel respected, Moore says. "But using your phone while you're eating is one of the easiest ways to make them feel like you're not paying attention to them," she says.

Not only that, when the host uses the phone at the dinner table, it sends a signal that others can do the same. This makes everyone lose focus.

Talked before eating

According to Mason Farmani, a personal life coach and intuitive business in Florida, USA, in addition to using the phone, the habit that makes people uncomfortable is chewing with their mouth open or talking before finishing swallowing.

When you are not eating with others, you can eat however you want. But remember that chewing with your mouth open is generally considered impolite and offensive.

"Opening your mouth or talking while eating can make others feel uncomfortable because it goes against the desire to maintain cleanliness and politeness during meals," Farmani said.

Arguing at the dinner table

People don't want to gather for dinner only to be spectators to your latest argument with your loved one.

Seth Eisenberg, relationship expert and executive director of the PAIRS Foundation, a coaching organization for successful relationships, says nothing is more frustrating for guests than seeing a couple or family arguing at the dinner table. "It's worse than a dog eating off your fork or a crying baby," Eisenberg notes.

According to behavior and health expert Kubanych Takyrbashev, PhD, sensitive topics do not always have a place at the dinner table.

While debates are stimulating, avoid controversial topics like politics or religion. These topics can offend or alienate guests with differing views. “This can lead to awkwardness or even conflict at the dinner table, which can take away from the enjoyment of the shared meal,” says Takyrbashev.

Talk only to your closest friends

When hosting a dinner party, it's your job to make sure all your guests feel included in the conversation, Moore says. "Don't get so focused on your own conversation that you forget about the guests sitting further away," she says.

This often becomes a problem at a dinner party with a long table, as those sitting in the middle will find themselves too far away to participate in conversations taking place on either side.

If you notice that a certain part of the dinner party seems boring or quiet, ask a specific question to draw them back into the conversation. "You can also walk up to them and interact directly to make them feel like they're an important part of the conversation," Moore suggests.

Dominate the conversation

When hosts dominate conversations, they unintentionally create an environment where guests feel sidelined or unable to contribute. Takyrbashev says while it’s important to foster conversation, it’s important to understand your potential impact on inclusivity.

“Guests may be hesitant to chime in or share their thoughts, leading to a one-sided conversation that doesn’t engage all participants,” he warns.

No dietary preferences or restrictions taken into account

When you're planning to cook dinner or choose a restaurant, you're technically free to choose whatever cuisine you want. But if you care about your guests, you have to consider their needs.

Ignoring or criticizing dietary restrictions or preferences can make guests feel unwelcome or anxious about what they can eat. This can lead to discomfort, feelings of being overlooked or disrespected.