What would you do?
You are swimming at your Mother's home. Your niece has a few friends over also. You Mother leaves to run errands. At some point, 2 of the friends walk into your Mother's home, right after you hear one say, "I'm hungry, I'm going to find something to eat". I did not hear them ask my niece if it was OK, maybe they did. But still, would you not find it rude to have 2 teenagers, not even related to your Mother, walk into her home and help themselves, and you are sitting right there? Am I wrong to feel this is a breech of etiquette?
All I can think is how mortified I would be if my daughters ever did this at someone's home they are not CLOSELY related to. If my nieces or nephews are at my house they are welcome to anything in my pantry, no permission needed. If they have friends along with them, ask first. If my kids have friends over, I am happy to supply them snacks. But I sure would expect them to ask first. Has this manner been completely dropped at the wayside? As it is, we usually offer them snacks and liquids long before they come looking.
My family is very giving, we are always happy to host and provide. But when it isn't at your invitation that 4 teens show up, and then 2 decide to go snacking, I find it bad manners. Even if you have been invited to feed at the trough one day, does it then mean you don't have to be conscious of asking the next time?
We preach at our daughters that if invited to dinner with a friend, and the parents will not allow us to give her money to use, they should order simple and cheap. Do not go for the most expensive item on the menu. Use restraint. We teach them to not take anything without first seeking permission. Even at their cousin's house. They sometimes even ask my Mom if they can have something before taking it. Please tell me I am not the only one still doing this?
Two full days of swimming and sun have made Chris a tired girl. I did get out to knitting last night for a bit. Worked on the latest WIP. Oh, I forgot to mention it? Another As You Like It. This one in Smooshy Vino Veritas(?). I thought I loved the color, but now I don't. I will go ahead and finish it for the shop for a sample. We don't have an As You Like It on display right now. I am up to 137 sts, only umpteen to go. But it is great for mindless knitting. Just wish I had arm strength to work on it right now.
OK, tell me I am an old fuddy-duddy for feeling the way I did about the situation today.