The article reflects on the author's childhood experience of weekly 'fancy dinners,' where strict etiquette was practiced compared to casual dinners. Initially perplexed by the distinction, the author later understands that these practices were aimed at enhancing their social skills for future interactions with influential people. This upbringing became beneficial during situations like academic awards dinners, where the author felt at ease and confident due to the ingrained manners. Ultimately, the narrative emphasizes the lasting impact of parental guidance on social mobility through etiquette.
Every Thursday evening was 'fancy dinner' during which there were so many more rules than dinner the rest of the week. For the rest of the week, the rules were just not to be messy and not to be rude.
Now, as an adult, I know what they were doing. They wanted us to have upward class mobility. They were making us practice our manners so we could make a good impression on fancy people when needed.
I was grateful for it when I sat down for an academic awards dinner with some of my college professors. I was able to talk easily and feel good because I recognized a fancy dinner when I saw one.
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