A woman has found herself in the middle of an online cutlery etiquette debate after admitting she holds her knife in her left hand to eat.
And this is all despite being right-handed in many other respects.
Reaching out to the online Mumsnet UK community in search of some clarity and support, or at least for someone else who does the same, the woman revealed that she is constantly mocked by her partner for holding her knife in her left hand and her fork in the other, even though she is right-handed.
Although there has never really been a widely-used rule, most people with dominant right hands will adopt the ‘knife in the right hand, fork in the left’ as the most common code of practice.
This is what prompted the woman to ask if she was being unreasonable “to think it doesn’t really matter”.
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Taking to the popular parenting forum, she wrote: “I’m right-handed. I hold my fork in my right hand and knife in left. This is the way I’ve always done it and felt comfortable [and] was never told or taught the ‘correct way’, [but] for years, my partner has joked about how I can’t hold a knife and fork properly and even mentioned trying it the other way.
“I’ve tried [and] it doesn’t feel right to me. He told me that his mother would probably tell me to switch hands as it’s her ‘pet hate’,”.
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“We’ve been together for 9 years [and] he’s not mentioned it for a while (until tonight), and I’ve avoided eating in front of his mother as much as possible else I feel paranoid – feels like I’m being watched”.
The mum insisted that generally her table manners are “okay”, adding: “I’m not a complete slob when It comes to eating or anything”, and while some of her fellow users replied to say she was being completely reasonable to eat this way, others admitted they would judge her for such habits.
“Well I’d definitely notice and judge you for it I’m afraid,” one wrote, with another adding: “It’s about table manners. ‘It isn’t comfortable for me’ is a bit of a pathetic excuse.”
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Someone else argued it that it “shows a disregard for social norms and disrespect”, saying it was “general laziness” if she “can’t be bothered spending a bit of time learning to do it properly”, which we have to admit does seem a little harsh, right?
Overall however, the general consensus seemed to be that it just didn’t really matter.
Someone told her: “I would just ignore or take the p*** out of the way your partner holds theirs, that’s what I’ve done to my husband in the past. Don’t let it put you off of eating in front of people, especially his mother”, with another adding: “Do what you feel most comfortable and ignore comments from small minded people.”
Someone else simply suggested: “Fork ’em!”, which we couldn’t have put any better ourselves.
What do you do?
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How to look after your cats and dogs this Bonfire Night
Thomas Melia
Bonfire Night may be a blessing for some families who can take advantage of the beautifully lit sky and incredible views, but for those who own cats or dogs, this isn’t necessarily the case.
When it comes to your furry friends then simply turning to their owners is usually the best point of call, but sometimes it’s still good to have a quick refresher on how to spot when your pet is in distress.
Luxury clothing retailer, Joules, is one of those leading research this year as they provide a list of tips and tricks on how to notice a change in your dog’s behaviour, soothe your cat’s stress and just generally make things more manageable for your four-legged companions.
72% of cat and dog owners see a change in their pets’ behaviour over this season, with 68% saying that they are frightened by the loud noises. With that in mind, here are some helpful tips on how to take care of your cats and dogs this Bonfire Night.
How to create a safe space for pets on Bonfire Night
Cover your windows where possible
Closing the curtains is always a good start; although this may not reduce the noise fully, it will help to block out the flashes from those pesky fireworks and even dial those big bangs down slightly.
In order to combat sudden light changes, dog owners are advised to keep their lights on, this way the animals are used to this setting and there are no drastic differences.
The simplest thing you can do is just make sure you’re there for your animals; much like us humans, they don’t like to deal with things on their own and sometimes it’s nice to have a helping hand by their side for reassurance – especially when that includes some always welcome petting.
It’s also good to keep their minds occupied by playing games and interactive activities with them to distract their cute little faces from all the madness outside.
Stay calm yourself
It might sound a little self-involved but it’s also important that alongside keeping your dogs and cats company and playing with them, make sure to keep calm yourself, much like your children and little ones you know, dogs are very reactive and can pick up on emotions easily.
As much as this information may be handy, you still know your pet best, so reacting to their behaviour and catering to their needs is definitely a must.
There are also some easy ways to spot something’s up…
Joules worked with animal behaviourist Kimberly Grundy to help develop these helpful Bonfire Night tips cats and dogs.They are one of many retailers that stock comforting cushions and blankets that are perfect for these occasions.
The best way to spot any changes in your dog or cat’s behaviour is to look for these nine surefire signs – if you spot them, they’re most likely feeling unsettled by the celebrations.
Whining or barking – this will include whimpering, crying, barking, and growling.
Clinginess – i.e. more than normal.
Excessive panting or drooling – can signal anxiety and distress instead of the usual excitement.
Hiding or trying to find a safe space
Trying to escape – make sure your doors and windows are locked and dog/cat flaps are covered.
Trembling and shaking – soothing strokes can still work wonders.
Pacing or restlessness – if you can get them to just sit with you that’s a step in the right direction.
Loss of appetite – but don’t try and force them to eat though, the goal is to help them relax.
Dilated pupils
Whether you’re cosying up to your cat or dog, or venturing out to a bonfire, make sure you stay safe this November and most importantly have fun!
This Manchester hotel has a Bonfire Night ‘escape’ package for pets to help keep them calm
Emily Sergeant
One of Manchester’s most luxurious hotels is transforming into the ultimate pet refuge again over the firework season.
Bonfire Night is loved across the UK for the spectacular firework displays and all the festive-themed activities that go along with it, but the November annual event isn’t so fun for our four-legged friends, as fireworks can be frightening to pets due to loud bangs, flashing lights, and the unpleasant strong smell of spent explosives.
With multiple bangs occurring from numerous displays too, pets are rarely able to pinpoint where the booming explosions are coming from, only making it more terrifying for them.
This is why, after becoming a huge success following its launch last year, Kimpton Clocktower Hotel in the heart of the city centre has brought back its special ‘Bonfire Night Escape’ escape package, turning the already pet-friendly hotel into a firework-free sanctuary.
The hotel‘s year-round ‘PAWfect Stay’ package includes any dog staying at no extra cost, plus a pet tuckbox, a guide to the best dog-friendly places in the city, and a toy waiting for them in the room, but this fireworks season, pet owners will also get a luxury hamper including Pet Remedy’s ‘Party Season Survival Kit’
The kit comes together with a range of fast-acting products to help immediately in stressful situations such as fireworks, and includes calming spray, a plug diffuser, and some calming wipes too.
On top of that, dog owners can also take advantage of the hotel’s Music Concierge service, which allows guests to request a record player and vinyls to be placed in the room ahead of check in – with lots of classical and relaxing music records available to distract anxious pets from the noise of Bonfire Night celebrations.
Kimpton Clocktower Hotel has a Bonfire Night ‘escape’ package to help keep pets calm / Credit: Elisha Terada (via Unsplash)
The award-winning The Refuge Bar and Restaurant inside the hotel also offers a menu of carefully-curated dog treats throughout the week, as well as doggy Sunday roasts all Sunday.
David Lockhart, who is the General Manager at Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, said he likes to think of the hotel as a “home-away-from-home for our guests”.
“Our top priority is making sure everyone is feeling safe and comfortable,” he added. “We can’t wait to welcome our November guests and help them care for their four-legged family members, giving them everything they need.”
The Bonfire Night Escape package at Kimpton Clocktower Hotel is available to book from Friday 1 November, subject to availability, and you can request the package via the hotel concierge or by emailing [email protected] to book.
Emily Sergeant -
29th December 2020 
