Table manners seem to be vanishing. When I was young good table manners were a must. Not only that, but we took etiquette classes. I even sent my children to an etiquette class. Proper conduct at the table was essential not only at home but at school as well. In our current era, people tend to eat in a sloppy manner, lick their fingers, and eat foods with their hands that are not finger foods. When Miss Patty first joined our workplace, she brought her lunch and often ate at her desk. On occasion, we would eat together in the president’s office when she was out of town. We always liked to celebrate everyone’s birthday. We would order take away and sit in the conference room. The first time we were about to sit to eat, I quickly moved her from a particular individual who literally had no clue about any type of decorum at a meal. At first she didn’t understand, but she learned quite quickly that I had saved her. This man’s eating was not only loud but disgusting to either be near or even hear across the table. She thanked me after. Recently I was at a restaurant with a few people. It was a birthday celebration and I was actually shocked to watch a guest lick every single finger after eating. I couldn’t finish my food. In today’s world, good table manners are essential particularly in the business world. It could make or break a deal or the hiring for a new job. I didn’t mention good table manners in any of the Good Gus stories in the series. The Good Gus Series is available online at Kindle, Nook and Waterstones. Hard copies, personally autographed, are available through our website www.goodgusbooks.com along with past blogs for your reading enjoyment. Digitizing for all the books will be ready next week! Please consider adding “The Special Gift” as a new Christmas tradition.