But how about the type of car? Does that say something about you? Does your choice of vehicle say more about you that you think? I believe it does. Just like pets, people resemble the type of car they drive.

For example, someone that drives a mini-van or suv cross-over probably has a family. I don’t know any single person that is saying, “oooo, did you see the new dodge caravan? I need that…” Behind the wheel you will see someone responsible and safety conscience. Probably wearing sweat-pants, a t-shirt, and baseball hat.. because they didn’t have time to shower before having to take the kids to school.

Someone that drives a Jeep Wrangler is more of an outdoorsy type. They will go camping or drive around with the top down on their way to the beach. They are generally friendly and willing to help when needed. They still have a wild streak in them, and are likely to ditch work at any time if the weather is nice and they heard about this really cool spot to have a beer and relax.

Someone that drives a Lexus/BMW/Mercedes is more of a flashy status person. They want everyone to know how successful they are. They like the “finer” things in life like 5-star hotels and wine-tasting. And will tell you all about their salary, and how important their job is. You won’t catch this person cutting out of work for anything. Need someone to pull an all-nighter… Find the guy driving one of these cars.

Someone that drives a sports car (like a Viper, Corvette, Mustang) is into speed. Fast and sort of reckless. Probably an adreneline junkie. Into power. The saying is that they are compensating for something… I believe this to be generally true. Maybe not for the size of their…. well, you know… But could be an unfullfilling marriage or a feeling of lost youth. They are sub-consciously saying, “Hey, Look at me, I’m still cool!”

Someone that drives a Ricer (souped up Honda/Acura/Toyota) is into speed and technology. Also very flashy.. they want everyone to know how fast their car is… The more blinking lights and stickers, the better. If they could push a button and have the whole thing transform into a robot, they would. They also tend to be a bit loopy from all the nitrous-oxide they are exposed to.

Someone that drives a jacked-up “monster” truck, is more than likely a redneck. Beer drinking (Budweiser Only), driving through the swamps redneck. Nascar on the weekends. They will try to say its for work, but most people that need their trucks for work, don’t put tires on them that keep you from hitching a trailer to it. Of course, if you need to find someone to help you rip a stump out of the ground or take down a small shed… This would be the person to ask. Just make sure your health insurance is up to date.

Someone that drives a plain stock Honda/Toyota/Chevy/Ford is someone that doesn’t really care what people think about their vehicle.. its a tool to get from one place to another. They don’t “enjoy” driving. As a matter of fact, if they didn’t have to drive, they wouldn’t.

Someone that drives a VW Bug or Mini Cooper is someone that is fun but a bit strange. They are joiners. They want to think they are part of something bigger than just owning a cute car. If they were to have a gang insignia, it would have rainbows and unicorns on it.

Someone that drives an older model Cadillac or Buick is someone built for comfort. They drive as slow as they want to, because they can. Nobody is going to tell them to hurry up, or slow down, or anything for that matter. They’ve done their time, now they are just going to relax.

Now, I’m not saying that these are completely accurate for every person… But it generally holds true. Can you all think of any others?

Well, right off the bat, I start researching for backup to my claim that when in a men’s restroom, it is always best to NOT TALK and get your business done in the most efficient way possible, then leave. That was when I found this video on YouTube. This pretty much illustrates my claim. There is basically no need for me to expound on this. Enjoy this instructional video:

I just found this blog article from the GourmetStation Blog about Dinner Party Etiquette for the 21st Century. Its got some great tips regarding table manners and such. If you are attending a dinner party, or have the pleasure of hosting your own, I would suggest taking a look at that article, as it has some great advice on dinner party etiquette for the new millenium.

 That all being said, I’m not THAT concerned about formal table etiquette, its great if you have it, but its not completely necessary that you know everything there is to know about it. Heck, I can’t say for certain what the proper order for a multi-course meal is, or which fork to use for sampling cheese. So it would be unfair of me to expect that from others. But, at the same time, there are a few basic table manners that should be learned, regardless of your upbringing and comfort level. Most of these items have been covered ad nauseum by your mother, but PLEASE try to remember them next time you sit down at the table.

1. When you sit down at the table, place the napkin on your lap. There really isn’t any time where its appropriate to use your sleeve to wipe your mouth… use the napkin that was placed there for a reason.

2. No matter how hungry you are, please be respectful of other people at the table. If you are passing platters around, please make sure that you take a fair share. It really sucks when you see a guy pile on 4 helpings of mash potatoes on their plate, and by the time the platter makes it around the table, there aren’t any left.  If there are leftovers after everyone else has a chance to get some. Then, you can go back for a second helping.

3. Try to be as quiet as you can while eating. Any extra noise making like slurping or belching just isn’t very polite. You might be comfortable, or think its funny… but generally it isn’t.

4. Chew with your mouth closed. This could possibly be the MOST IMPORTANT table manners tip I could possibly give. Nobody wants to see you chomping away like a cow.

5. Don’t talk with your mouth full.  Kind of goes along with #4. People don’t want to get splattered by chewed up food, plus its really hard to understand someone that is trying to speak while chewing on a piece of steak.

6. Don’t pick something out of your teeth. No matter how annoying it is, please wait until you go to the bathroom (make sure you excuse yourself) to start picking at your teeth. Asking someone for a matchbook so you can work that piece of meat our of your molars just isn’t appropriate at the dinner table.

7. When asked to pass something, only try to pass it if you are the one closest to the item asked for. DO NOT, under any circumstances, reach over someone else’s plate to grab something. Also, if asked to pass something, do not use that item before passing it on. For example, someone asks for you to pass the butter… Please, Please, Please… do not stop and put butter on your bread before passing it on. Once it’s reached its intended requestor, then you can ask for it back…

SIDE NOTE FOR PASSING THE SALT: When asked for the Salt, you should pass both the salt AND pepper together. Remember to keep them together.

8. Use the utensils that are on the table. Thats what they are there for. Which utensil you use and in what order are generally not that important. Nobody is looking over your shoulder to see if you are using the dinner fork instead of the salad fork. If you aren’t quite sure which utensil you should be using, just take a peek at your neighbor for a clue.

SIDE NOTE ON UTENSIL USAGE: If there is any question in your mind wether you should use your fingers, DON’T.  For example, it is generally acceptable to use your fingers to break bread and eat it. But while it might be ok at KFC to use your fingers to eat fried chicken, at a more formal restaurant, its probably not ok. Default to using your fork and knife.

9. Seasonings should only be used AFTER you have tried them, and it should only be used on your own plate! Its rather an insult to the person that cooked the food for you to start seasoning it before bothering to taste it first. 

10. Here is the biggest tip I can give regarding table etiquette.  Its just common sense really. Its better to be over-cautious than under-cautious when it comes to table manners. If you have any questions about wether you should be doing something, DON’T DO IT!