The Etiquette Paradox

Joe and Samantha are walking home through Austin after a tedious dinner party hosted by mutual friends.

The Etiquette Paradox

Listen and choose the right answer

What did Claire do throughout the dinner party that bothered Joe?

• She kept her phone on the table and scrolled through notifications.
• She complained loudly about the expensive wine they brought.
• She refused to let anyone touch the dessert table.

What ironical fact does Samantha mention about Claire?

• Claire hates hosting dinner parties.
• Claire has written a guidebook on modern corporate etiquette.
• Claire actually has terrible table manners herself.

Why didn't anyone correct Claire's behavior during the meal?

• They didn't notice her using the phone.
• They were too busy eating the roast beef.
• They didn't want to cause a scene.

What twist is revealed toward the end of the conversation?

• The other guests were judging Joe and Samantha's loud whispering and gossip.
• Claire was actually listening to their private conversation the whole time.
• Mark and Dave were planning to host the next dinner party.

Listen again and complete the sentences

• Joe: Tellingly, Claire had her ____ the entire evening, scrolling through notifications while we spoke.
• Samantha: It's just a total lack of ____ when people can't disconnect for a simple meal.
• Joe: Remember when Dave tried to ____ for the dessert table like an uncivilized teenager?
• Joe: People have completely forgotten their ____ these days. Chivalry and basic courtesy are totally dead.
• Joe: Unbelievable! We brought an expensive bottle of wine and sent our ____ , but still.

Sources: photo by Sevde Altıntaş on Pexels