On Thursday, February 8, 2018 at 5:14:33 PM UTC-5, wrote:

>
> But that leaves one potentially awkward situation that the book didn't mention - namely, when guests are allowed to fill their OWN plates - from platters that are passed around the table. See here (it's a 1965 Ann Landers column):
>
> https://cdnc.ucr.edu/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=MT19650607.2.80
>
> So it got me to wondering - chances are the in-laws were just selfish, greedy boors, but there could be more to it, unfortunately. ARE there many cultures where guests are truly expected just to eat as much as they like and not to care much about whether or not the host can afford it?


Can we please get back to my question? Thank you.


Lenona.