Miss Manners:

Published: Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 8:00 am

Etiquette Quandary: A Dining Dilemma Decades in the Making

A reader has posed a question to Miss Manners, a syndicated advice columnist, regarding a dining experience from their youth. The query centers on a social faux pas committed during a first-time visit to an upscale restaurant.

The reader, a young man at the time, encountered a predicament involving an olive pit. After consuming an unpitted olive, he found himself without a designated receptacle for the discarded pit. Unsure of the proper etiquette, and unwilling to sully the pristine tablecloth or return the pit to the serving tray, he and his companion opted for a less-than-ideal solution: discarding the pit under the table.

The reader, now older, has carried this incident with him for decades, prompting him to seek Miss Manners' guidance on the correct course of action. He inquired about the appropriate disposal method in such a situation.

Miss Manners' response offers several alternatives. She suggests that the reader could have discreetly wrapped the olive pit in a handkerchief, tissue, or napkin. Alternatively, she proposes a trip to the restroom for disposal. Miss Manners also playfully questions the reader's long-standing concern, wondering if he has ever returned to the restaurant to check if the pit remains in its original location.

The advice column provides a lighthearted exploration of social graces and the enduring impact of seemingly minor transgressions. It highlights the importance of proper etiquette in formal dining settings and offers practical solutions for navigating potentially awkward situations.

BNN's Perspective: This query, while seemingly trivial, underscores the importance of understanding and adhering to social norms. While the reader's actions were certainly not ideal, the fact that the incident has lingered for decades speaks to the lasting impact of social blunders. Miss Manners' response offers practical advice and a touch of humor, reminding us that even the most seasoned individuals can occasionally find themselves navigating unfamiliar social terrain.

Keywords: Miss Manners, etiquette, dining, restaurant, olive pit, social graces, advice, manners, upscale dining, social faux pas

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