The 9 golden rules for sharing food

Sharing is multiplying, that's how I see food. My friend and I strategically choose our appetizers and main courses in restaurants, because then you've basically just doubled your food. Now that the sweat is on your brow, the need for food decreases, leading to more sharing. But easy is different, and that's why our neighbors set out online food magazine FavorFlav the golden rules for you.

1. The first bite

Are you both ordering your own dish? Let someone always take a bite of their own food first, before you even think about looking at the other person's plate. Only when someone has eaten from each component on their plate may you ask if you might take a bite. That brings me to the next point.

2. Ask + wait

You never take food from someone's plate without asking. When the moment feels right, ask if you can take a bite. A very important step that is often overlooked: actually wait for the answer. Don't ask for permission while those fries are almost in your mouth. If the other person says yes? Then you are also obliged to share a bite of your food. That's just how it works.

3. Dare to say no

Have you been looking forward to your meal all day, do you have bear hunger or for some other reason don't feel like sharing? Dare to say no. You don't want to harbor years of resentment because your friend took a green bean from your plate on your first date, while you actually wanted to save it for yourself.

4. Not ordering = not eating

Not ordering fries, nachos, or bitterballen but eating them when they are placed on the table is unacceptable. Once you have said the phrase “I don't want anything”, you say goodbye to all rights to shared food. Can't resist the temptation anyway? Then at least order an extra portion.

5. Fries

Fries get their own heading, as this dish causes the most uproar. All the above information still applies, with a few small caveats. With fries, you should actually never take anything until the owner offers it themselves. Once you start grabbing, the rest of your tablemates will see this as a green light and the fry orderer will be left dumbfounded.

I also have to prepare you that not everyone always adheres to etiquette. Are you the one ordering fries? Then always assume that you will lose at least a third to rude fellow eaters. No matter how much you want to keep your fries to yourself, the moment you order it, you are actually saying: “Please eat with me”. Sorry.

6. Be social

Are there twelve bitterballen and four people? Do the math. Everyone gets three, unless someone indicates they need less. You don't have to count every nacho or every slice of sausage, but don't eat the whole platter by yourself. Sharing is caring, hold back a little.

7. Adjust your pace

Adjust your pace to the group. If this is very slow, then take it easy yourself too (see number 6). However, it should be noted that not everyone behaves as exemplary as you do, you also need to take care of yourself a little. Are hands moving to the table so quickly that you can barely see them? Then it's time for you to also shift into a higher gear, otherwise you'll end up without food.

The principle of saving the best for last, which I always adhere to, does not apply when sharing. If you do that, there's a good chance someone else will run off with your coveted bites. Can't keep up the pace? Then make a small plate for yourself with all your favorites, which you can then eat at your leisure.

8. Don’t double dip

This one is a bit dependent on who you are with. I honestly don't care, but there are people who associate sharing food with dirty fingers and other people's bacteria. Therefore, generally adhere to the rule of not double dipping. Just dipped a cheese stick in the chili sauce and then bitten off? Don't go back into the sauce with the part that has been in your mouth (the other side is fine). This way, people with germophobia at the table won't have a heart attack.

Also, don't extensively touch all the cheese cubes before you pick one to put in your mouth. And don't take a bite of someone's hamburger, or do it, but cut it with a knife and fork. This way, you prevent someone from chomping into your saliva later.

9. The last piece

Perhaps the most sensitive topic: who takes the last piece? Let's establish that if you want to be that person, you need to stand up for yourself. Nothing is worse than a piece pizza that gets cold because no one dares to take it. Do you want to go for the last piece? First, ask if anyone else is still interested. If this is the case, I'm afraid you'll have to share.

Can't come to an agreement? Then the piece goes to the one who has eaten the least. If someone says they have had four pieces and you have had five? Then lie and say you have had three. Bring on that last slice.

Source: FavorFlav