A question of manners?

Question

The other day, my neice invited me for tea. We sat down, and after sipping tea for a minute my neice farted. I told her that this was unbecoming of a lady and considered rude. She was curious as to which society or civilization invented that rule -- that passing wind is rude. Frankly, I didn't know what to tell her, so I thought I'd post the question here.

I didn't say I was particularily "concerned" with the issue, but it's just that my neice asked me which society or civilization decided upon that rule. That was the real question in all of this. I actually think it would be far more pathetic for me to be too worried about the war in Iraq or be so scared of illegals. Sometimes we forget the human beings in all of this.

Answer 1

I'm not sure of who invented "that rule", but think of it like this: When you burp, you shouldn't just belch out and act like nothing happened, you should say "excuse me". It isn't really rude to "fart" because man or woman or whatever race you are, we are all humans and that isn't unusual, but if you do fart, you should say "excuse me" or "sorry", instead of laughing at it and doing it to aggrevate.

Answer 2

First let me apologize for the rudeness and stupidity of some of these responses. Yes it was rude but only if you think it was. Farting is a function that can not be controlled. In England they actually advertise for farting and the fact that it is good for your colan. I can't answer your questions but my guess would be that the French came up with this.

Answer 3

I would say that you responded perfectly the first time. You remind her that it is inappropriate to expel any type of gas at the table (including burps), and do not continue to acknowledge it after it's over. If she does it again, remind her again that it is very rude. If it becomes a game for her, you simply excuse yourself, and tell her you will no longer have tea with her until she stops.

Answer 4

Don't you have anything more important to occupy your mind? We're at war, illegals are pouring into the country, global warming is destroying the environment and you're concerned about farting at the tea table. Pathetic.

Answer 5

I don;t know if this is where it come from but back in the good old days (talking 1700 onwards) it was condsidered rude to do bodily functions of that taking, for lady's as it was to crude.

these days it is common acceptance that we pass wind.

Answer 6

Passing wind is not a reflex than one can control. However, in our American culture, it is proper etiquette to say, "Excue me," after passing wind/farting, or belching in public.

Perhaps your cousin was not taught this by her parents. You should tell her, in case she does this while with her friends.

Answer 7

"I" before "E" except after "C." Spell checker. I had an English teacher tell me this one day. Do you know what she meant? Human beings in all this. . .

Answer 8

technically you were right it was rude

Answer 9

I don't have an answer, but the question is funny. Thanks.