Nightmare tablemates?

[GUT2407]

Good grief, I'm British and have never heard this one before. It's always been a standard 'getting to know you question'. I find questions about someone's health far more impolite!

 

Seems to be an American thing, I often wonder what they're ashamed of.

 

Personally I don't care what anyone asks me, if I don't like it I'll either BS them or not answer.

 

Seems simple to me.

[Nebr.cruiser]

Well, I'm American and I have never thought of it being rude to ask someone what they do (or did). It's just kind of a typical getting to know someone question around here.

 

I totally understand if someone does not want to share that and certainly wouldn't press anyone if they obviously didn't. Any polite person would do the same.

 

Now, I sincerely hope no one asks about or mentions American politics this year!

[NLH Arizona]

Seems to be an American thing, I often wonder what they're ashamed of.

 

Personally I don't care what anyone asks me, if I don't like it I'll either BS them or not answer.

 

Seems simple to me.

I've never met another American who had an issue with someone asking what they do. I think it is a very few from all countries who might have an issue telling folks what they do or don't do for a living!

[GUT2407]

I've never met another American who had an issue with someone asking what they do. I think it is a very few from all countries who might have an issue telling folks what they do or don't do for a living!

 

Ok thanks, just don't get what the issue is, if you don't want to tell someone you work as an executioner, don't.

 

Sometimes I'm happy to talk about what I do, Barrister, (got some great stories) othertimes id rather not get quizzed about representing people you know are guilty, or how you can possibly act for some one who is faking an injury, and all that sort of stuff, other times I'm happy to set them straight.

[GUT2407]

Well, I'm American and I have never thought of it being rude to ask someone what they do (or did). It's just kind of a typical getting to know someone question around here.

 

I totally understand if someone does not want to share that and certainly wouldn't press anyone if they obviously didn't. Any polite person would do the same.

 

Now, I sincerely hope no one asks about or mentions American politics this year!

 

Yeah well good luck with that last sentence.

 

I expect it will be a hot topic for a while.

[NLH Arizona]

Ok thanks, just don't get what the issue is, if you don't want to tell someone you work as an executioner, don't.

 

Sometimes I'm happy to talk about what I do, Barrister, (got some great stories) othertimes id rather not get quizzed about representing people you know are guilty, or how you can possibly act for some one who is faking an injury, and all that sort of stuff, other times I'm happy to set them straight.

I would think if they don't want to tell someone what they do, they are in the witness protection program.

 

I'm with you, I was in the music industry and have no issues telling folks what I did and telling stories about my 35 years in the music business.

Edited November 28, 2016 by NLH Arizona

[WupperAV]

I get a table for 1 and still have trouble with the guy! Call him Mr Whiney from SAT Nite Live.:D

People ask what I do, I start with all the jobs here on the farm, they regret that because I'm in the trucking business and a Aircraft Mechanic too and Volunteer at the Fire Dept. I can go on for hours til they fall asleep. Teach then I will!

Edited November 28, 2016 by WupperAV

[MicCanberra]

If you have cruised several times, & never have had strange tablemates.....YOU might be them. Just sayin.

 

 

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Hi,

 

We always have a table for two and I have loads of trouble with tablemates :):):)

 

Pete

 

Two great posts.:D

[artmc]

On seven cruises we've always done set seatings (late) and have yet to have cringeworthy tablemates. In fact, we keep in touch with two couples years later. The others were nice enough but no one we felt the need to exchange email addresses with.

 

We did have one particularly interesting companion at a dining room lunch. We were seated at a table for 10 and one woman insisted on informing us how much she gave to various people in her church, becoming increasingly detailed - way beyond too much information. If that wasn't enough, she then talked about the ones who weren't grateful enough or who didn't put the money to sufficiently good use, getting angrier as she went on. Fortunately she didn't stay long and after she left, the rest of us exchanged "that was awkward" smiles, and then talked about all manner of things.

[MicCanberra]

A friend is currently cruising and has just told us on fb that one person at the table managed to drive the other 9 people from the table just after appetisers and salad. Apparently she just annoyed every one and whinged about everything from blunt pencils to not enough bread rolls for the table. They all gradually left citing one reason or another, catching the show and want to make sure they got good seats, not feeling well, was tired, wanted to go to guest services while there was no queue, etc. My friend has asked for another table.

[biker@sea]

I would think if they don't want to tell someone what they do, they are in the witness protection program.

 

I'm with you, I was in the music industry and have no issues telling folks what I did and telling stories about my 35 years in the music business.

 

Ha Ha Ha

 

Nobody, Say nobody every want's to hear my work story's about Revamping waste water treatment plant's and the corn eyed brown trout.

 

 

.

[PoppyandNana]

On seven cruises we've always done set seatings (late) and have yet to have cringeworthy tablemates. In fact, we keep in touch with two couples years later. The others were nice enough but no one we felt the need to exchange email addresses with.

 

We did have one particularly interesting companion at a dining room lunch. We were seated at a table for 10 and one woman insisted on informing us how much she gave to various people in her church, becoming increasingly detailed - way beyond too much information. If that wasn't enough, she then talked about the ones who weren't grateful enough or who didn't put the money to sufficiently good use, getting angrier as she went on. Fortunately she didn't stay long and after she left, the rest of us exchanged "that was awkward" smiles, and then talked about all manner of things.

 

Kind of awkward when, on the last evening, you bring cards with your contact information and none of the other people at the table did. The reverse is also true.

[Liz54]

A friend is currently cruising and has just told us on fb that one person at the table managed to drive the other 9 people from the table just after appetisers and salad. Apparently she just annoyed every one and whinged about everything from blunt pencils to not enough bread rolls for the table. They all gradually left citing one reason or another, catching the show and want to make sure they got good seats, not feeling well, was tired, wanted to go to guest services while there was no queue, etc. My friend has asked for another table.

 

WOW! That is an impressive accomplishment. Particularly given how much we all love our food on ships!

[Harry and Lucille]

I'll try not to ramble, but two stories.

 

One formal evening while at table for eight (second sea day and first meal in the MDR) was just another situation that we always seemed to encounter. After normal chit chat and introductions, talk started to turn, as we found to be usual, into a one-upsmanship contest. In going around the table, the self appointed leader, sitting to my left, started off going around the table asking everyone to tell us all about themselves. Wellll. When it became my turn, I simply said, "I'm retired. I get up in the morning and start the day putting on my pants one leg at a time. Can anyone top that story?" That is the time that I decided that it was time to move and we did. Never looked back.

 

Now on a lighter side. One evening sitting at an eight top, group was very quiet and laid back. No chatter and appeared to be apprehensive regarding each other. Being the weirdo that I am, I wondered how long it would take before folks actually smiled. Hummm. What could I do? Why even get involved? The light came on. I ordered a bottle of wine for dinner. This was in the days where the ship actually had a wine person (can't pronounce it or spell it). He was very formal. He came to the table, white towel over his arm and cork screw in his left hand and the wine carried carefully in the right hand. He, with great ceremony proceeded to cork the bottle, gently removed the cork from the screw and handed it to me to sniff. Well, I just put it into my mouth and loudly started sucking on it. Everyone at the table was shocked and the wine guy almost passed out. I slowly looked around the table and winked at everyone. All of a sudden it turned into the most fun table in the dining room.

[Nanny8]

You DO know they were joking right? lol

 

I would guess the "what do you do for a living" question is especially difficult for doctors. I can see people sharing every illness or injury they've ever had, and asking for advice on new issues.

 

I've always had great tablemates. That said, I sometimes worry about being the bad tablemate.

 

1.) I've gotten MUCH better about this but...when I'm insecure, or in a new environment, I tend to talk too much.

2.) I've done so many different things in my life that I'm sure people think I'm lying.

 

• Water ski show performer
  
• Call Center Manager
  
• Travel Agent
  
• Firefighter/EMT
  
• 911 Dispatcher
  
• Preschool Manager
  
• Author
  
• Professional Speaker
  

I don't "jump" from job to job. Many of these things were done simultaneously. But, when a story from yet another career comes up in conversation, I can almost hear people thinking "she's so full of ****!" lol

My husband and I are in the same boat. We have had numerous occupations over the years, nurse, teacher, author, freelance writer, homeschooling mom, counsellor, director of an orphanage, mechanic, salesperson, accountant security expert/consultant, finance, IT specialist, professor etc etc. We too have done several occupations at the same time and I get more eye rolls than I can count. It's kinda fun to just pick one and go with it. I'm always open to making one up for the fun of it and see what happens :)

[Enforcer]

Did you mean tablemate?

 

Hi,

 

I chose my words carefully. :)

 

Pete

[MicCanberra]

WOW! That is an impressive accomplishment. Particularly given how much we all love our food on ships!

 

I imagine the buffet had some extra visitors.;)

[Cruzin-K]

Well, I'm American and I have never thought of it being rude to ask someone what they do (or did). It's just kind of a typical getting to know someone question around here.

 

I totally understand if someone does not want to share that and certainly wouldn't press anyone if they obviously didn't. Any polite person would do the same.

 

Now, I sincerely hope no one asks about or mentions American politics this year!

 

I hope so too. I still remember being on a boat ride in Switzerland years ago, and once a (French) couple on the boat learned that I was from the U.S., they proceeded to talk about how awful our president was (Bush 43) and didn't I agree. Um, no, actually I voted for him and was rather amazed that they would even bring that up. I moved to another part of the boat for the rest of the Lake Geneva cruise.

[matamanoa]

We have always asked to be seated at a large table and have enjoyed getting to know some of our fellow cruisers. There was only one occasion where we have had an unusual tablemate. On the first night of our cruise, we arrived at our assigned table to find four friends traveling together and who would be our tablemates for the rest of the trip. One of the gentlemen had a colouring book and crayons with him and when we saw him colouring, we thought to ourselves that we were going to be stuck at a table with some strange people. On getting to know our four companions, we were pleasantly surprised to find them warm and friendly folks who we were happy to share our table with. The man with the colouring book stopped bringing it to the table on night three. Perhaps he was just shy but once we got to know everyone we enjoyed our nightly dinner with them. You just never know!

[donaldsc]

I hope so too. I still remember being on a boat ride in Switzerland years ago, and once a (French) couple on the boat learned that I was from the U.S., they proceeded to talk about how awful our president was (Bush 43) and didn't I agree. Um, no, actually I voted for him and was rather amazed that they would even bring that up. I moved to another part of the boat for the rest of the Lake Geneva cruise.

 

Regardless of whom you voted for this time around, I you imagine the discussions going on now between non -Americans and their American tablemates.

 

DON

[Paulette3028]

We have always asked to be seated at a large table and have enjoyed getting to know some of our fellow cruisers. There was only one occasion where we have had an unusual tablemate. On the first night of our cruise, we arrived at our assigned table to find four friends traveling together and who would be our tablemates for the rest of the trip. One of the gentlemen had a colouring book and crayons with him and when we saw him colouring, we thought to ourselves that we were going to be stuck at a table with some strange people. On getting to know our four companions, we were pleasantly surprised to find them warm and friendly folks who we were happy to share our table with. The man with the colouring book stopped bringing it to the table on night three. Perhaps he was just shy but once we got to know everyone we enjoyed our nightly dinner with them. You just never know!

 

HOW correct -- you just never know.....and life is short I like to engage others.

[CruiserGuyWPB]

I hope so too. I still remember being on a boat ride in Switzerland years ago, and once a (French) couple on the boat learned that I was from the U.S., they proceeded to talk about how awful our president was (Bush 43) and didn't I agree. Um, no, actually I voted for him and was rather amazed that they would even bring that up. I moved to another part of the boat for the rest of the Lake Geneva cruise.

 

Thats why I tell people from other countries that unless they are American citizens and have the right to vote in American elections, I will not discuss anything political with them. This tends to really piss off my family in Canada who tend to think they know whats better for a country that they dont live in than the actual citizens of the US. :D:confused::rolleyes::eek:

[XBGuy]

Thats why I tell people from other countries that unless they are American citizens and have the right to vote in American elections, I will not discuss anything political with them. This tends to really piss off my family in Canada who tend to think they know whats better for a country that they dont live in than the actual citizens of the US. :D:confused::rolleyes::eek:

 

Your view is perfectly reasonable, and so is the opposite. In your case, I can see how the family dynamic can affect the situation. I deflect any discussion of politics with anybody from the U.S. However, I find the views of non-U.S. citizens to be interesting. Typically, such discussions are very civil and provide me with a learning opportunity. On our last cruise my wife visited the spa to have her hair cut. She came back and reported that she had a fascinating conversation on the U.S. political scene with the stylist who was English. The really great thing, though, was that she was very pleased with her cut.

 

:)

[notoverthehillyet]

For the first time, decided to go to MDR on RCC for majority of meals. One solo gentleman had just reached 'Pinnacle' level and he was a delight, sharing stories of all his travels and giving input into various ships of RCC. (From his perspective, of course), but he was gracious and entertaining and in no way condescending or arrogant. I haven't cruised for 8 yrs so very much enjoyed his knowledge and wit. On the other hand, the table of 8 also had a young 'couple', and the male was embarrassingly obnoxious with his idiot behavior. Filled out a card for his 'seafood allergy' and then proceeded to order seafood 3 different nights, throwing what only can be called a 'tantrum' when they refused to serve him. His s/o was a NP, so she reared up one nite during one of the 'dreaded episodes', demanding to speak w/ the head chef. My daughter and I were embarrassed and humiliated by their behavior. The crew can get in so much trouble had they allowed him to eat what he himself had documented as 'allergy'. Her answer was to say they had an 'Epi' pen in their stateroom so he was willing to take his chances. How many ways can you spell stupid? I'm an ICU RN. You don't mess around with allergic reactions in the middle of the ocean. Our head server was close to tears. It was just so unnecessary and childish. The last night he demanded a lobster, followed by refusing to eat it once it arrived, and leaving the table (after a 1/2 hr conversation convincing the head chef to give him what he asked for). I ended up tipping our head server even more than normal, along w/ a note encouraging and praising her in the midst of the regrettable situation nite after nite just for her continued graciousness to them.

 

 

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[donaldsc]

For the first time, decided to go to MDR on RCC for majority of meals. One solo gentleman had just reached 'Pinnacle' level and he was a delight, sharing stories of all his travels and giving input into various ships of RCC. (From his perspective, of course), but he was gracious and entertaining and in no way condescending or arrogant. I haven't cruised for 8 yrs so very much enjoyed his knowledge and wit. On the other hand, the table of 8 also had a young 'couple', and the male was embarrassingly obnoxious with his idiot behavior. Filled out a card for his 'seafood allergy' and then proceeded to order seafood 3 different nights, throwing what only can be called a 'tantrum' when they refused to serve him. His s/o was a NP, so she reared up one nite during one of the 'dreaded episodes', demanding to speak w/ the head chef. My daughter and I were embarrassed and humiliated by their behavior. The crew can get in so much trouble had they allowed him to eat what he himself had documented as 'allergy'. Her answer was to say they had an 'Epi' pen in their stateroom so he was willing to take his chances. How many ways can you spell stupid? I'm an ICU RN. You don't mess around with allergic reactions in the middle of the ocean. Our head server was close to tears. It was just so unnecessary and childish. The last night he demanded a lobster, followed by refusing to eat it once it arrived, and leaving the table (after a 1/2 hr conversation convincing the head chef to give him what he asked for). I ended up tipping our head server even more than normal, along w/ a note encouraging and praising her in the midst of the regrettable situation nite after nite just for her continued graciousness to them.

 

 

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The rest of you could have gotten together and all of you requested a table transfer. You could have even done it while the young couple was at the table with you. That would leave the young couple alone at the table. Do you think that he might have figured out that it was his fault that he was left alone. I refuse to have my cruise experience spoiled by a boor.

 

DON

Edited December 3, 2016 by donaldsc