FOUR TABLE TRAUMAS AND HOW TO HANDLE THEM

You spill something on the table in a restaurant:

• Don't try to handle this all by yourself.  Ask the waitstaff to help you clean up the spill.  If you spill something on the floor, get help cleaning it up right away so that someone doesn't slip.  Should you apologize?  Yes, but without going on about what a clumsy person you are.

You spill something on someone at the table:

• Apologize, attend to the person right away before you worry about the rest.

You choke on a piece of food:

• Don't panic, signal for help immediately, and allow yourself to be helped by someone who know first aid.

You have to burp or sneeze:

• Turn your head over your shoulder away from the table.  You can use your napkin as a shield, but not as a handkerchief to sneeze or blow your nose.

Everyone understands that accidents happen.  If you spill something on someone, spill red wine on their white rug, or break something,  always offer to help defray the cost of cleaning, repair, or replacement.