DEAR MISS MANNERS: Is it proper to eat fruit that is mixed into a beverage? Often when we are out, my partner will order a drink that has fruit muddled into the bottom of the glass. He will finish the drink and then use his fingers, a fork or spoon to sift through the ice and scoop out the fruit to eat.
Personally, I find it off-putting, but I know that I am more sensitive to embarrassment than most. Where does Miss Manners lie on the fruity drink issue?
GENTLE READER: As long as it can be done gracefully, Miss Manners sees nothing wrong with consuming the entire contents of one’s drink, even the garnishes. But being off-putting to one’s partner (especially with the use of fingers) does not sound graceful.
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(Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)
