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Youth Focus with Dr Manners Msongelwa
IT’S now almost holiday time. Some of you will visit relatives, attend weddings and church gatherings. When you visit, kindly take note of this:
Never insult the cooking when you are a guest. The salt and cooking oil might be too much, try to use wisdom to communicate this. Even if you receive a small portion, eat quietly. Food cooked at weddings or church functions is usually donated by a few individuals. Some even sacrifice so that the event is successful. Avoid commenting and critiquing things that you don’t know. In some instances people who cook at church gatherings are volunteers, they volunteer their time to cook that food for you.
When you attend weddings eat properly. Take small portions and chew properly. Don’t fill your mouth with food. Use table manners. Don’t talk when you are eating. Finish the food in your mouth first and then talk.
It’s good to take the food that you will finish. It’s not good to leave a lot of food on your plate when you knew that the food was too much. It’s better to remove excess food before you start eating.
Take your time to chew your food and swallow. Try to use the cutlery provided. Yes, you are used to using your hands, try practicing how to use a fork and knife. It’s good to practice using these when you are alone so that you won’t have problems when you visit.
It’s not a good habit to jump the queue when everyone is in the queue waiting to receive food. Remember, there will be elderly people, respect them and wait for your turn. If your plate is dished with food, remove it, don’t remain starring on the waiter to put more food. Collect your drink and return to your sitting place.
Don’t try alcohol or smoking at such events. Remain an integral person and follow the principles that you set for yourself. Some learners have destroyed themselves at these church gatherings and weddings or family events. Those two minutes will haunt you for life.
Dress decently and cover your body. Yes, it’s a wedding day, but dress politely. Your body is gold, it should not be revealed to anyone else. To be smart doesn’t mean that you should be half-naked. If you expose your body, you are attracting people to bother you. Everyone will stare at you and you won’t be comfortable.
Use the toilets properly, flash after having your number two. Remember, so many people will be using the same toilet, so leave the toilets clean.
At these gatherings, some steal other people’s stuff. Be content with what you have. Avoid stealing, imagine being caught that is embarrassment. You won’t enjoy the wedding or church gathering.
Dr Manners Msongelwa is an author, youth coach and teacher. He can be contacted on +263771019392
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