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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Danielle Kate Wroe

Etiquette expert reveals table manners which make you look rude - and forget loo breaks

When it comes to mealtimes, there's no denying that everybody's standards are completely different.

Some people have far higher expectations than others, including etiquette expert William Hanson.

He has explained the dos and don'ts of meal times and if you want to leave the table in the middle of the meal - well, it's just bad manners.

William outlined why it's so important that you go to the toilet before you head out for a meal, rather than leaving whilst there's food on the table.

He explained that the only time it's acceptable to go to the loo during a meal is the gap between the main course and the dessert.

Meal times look different for every family (Stock Image) (Getty Images)

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William told the Sun : "You should certainly never leave the table while there is food on it, whether it’s yours or someone else’s.

"If you are eating at home, use the loo before the meal so there’s no reason to get up and leave halfway through.

"If it is absolutely necessary to get up mid-meal, apologise quietly when you stand up and ask to be excused, remembering to apologise again when you sit back down."

William also explained that it's impolite to eat with your mouth open.

If somebody asks a question whilst you have food in your mouth, it's best to wait until you've swallowed than to try and answer quickly with the food moved elsewhere.

According to William, it's also important that nobody has their phones out at the table, going as far to say that they should be banned when dining as they are 'disgusting'.

Using a knife whilst eating is also important as it means the dining experience can take place with ease.

Other pet peeves of William's are burping at the table, licking your fingers, picking your teeth and eating whilst walking.

Do you agree with these table rules? Let us know in the comments.

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