The Little Things
Deanna’s Guide…
I’ve decided to run an ongoing series about small matters that affect our lives in how we go about our lives trying to be the best people possible, while navigating those little etiquette lessons fraught with anxiety. I’ve been thinking about many of the ways we are seen by others. I’ll still be writing about finding peace and hope through pain, loneliness, and life lessons, but today is my first “little thing”.
Let’s go!
If you drink coffee, tea or even hot chocolate this is for you.
I’ve been analyzing the way I pour steaming black coffee into one of my white mugs and start sipping (or gulping) away. But every time I pull away from the mug a drop of coffee remains on the outside of my mug. I usually wipe it off with my finger or even lick the drop, but I can’t do that in public. I can’t do that with anybody, really, and look like a well-mannered woman.
I’ve tried sitting different ways, sipping with my lips in odd positions, and last night at dinner I finally decided to tell my husband we simply had to order coffee after our long and very filling dinner.
When the coffee was served it arrived in small, proper cups. Not a mug in sight. Was it the shape of the drinking vessel that lead to my improper etiquette? Well, yes, in a way it did. Sipping from a smaller teacup left no drips or drops.
The other issue was how upright I sat as I sipped. With the teacup being lower than my face, no drops of coffee escaped my lips. Problem solved! I’ll have to test out my discovery at home, but for now I’ll try drinking coffee from whatever mugs they have at this beach house.
I’m hoping if I sit up more, rather than sinking into a plush and comfy sofa, I’ll be able to sip from a mug with no problematic drips.
Remember, when drinking out in public (think soda, tea, iced tea, coffee etc.) it is not okay to lick the outside of your cup. You can’t slurp. No noise should come from your body as you consume your drink. Drinking is silent. No drips or rivulets of the beverage should remain on your cup or you.
It’s a little thing, I know.
But all these little things add up to a large body of well-mannered people who know how to navigate this world with all the changes that incessantly slap our faces. It is numbing at times.
I hope you enjoy your morning beverage in silence. No dripping, spluttering or slurping. And I hope you have a beautiful day!
