Miss Manners question

I found myself at Outback Steakhouse with a group of coworkers. In one bite of steak there was some gristle that I could not really chew. Normally I would have just swallowed it, but I suddenly thought that I sure can't be doing that post op. So the question arises... What is the most polite way to remove something from your mouth??? My first thought was to subtly spit it into my paper napkin. Unfortunately, all I had was a cloth napkin. And I did not want that in my lap... Do you spit it on your fork and return it to your plate? I tried and could not do that subtly. I ended up removing it with my fingers and hiding it under my potato peeling. Any ideas? We will all encounter this one later.... Joy (3/1)

I'd've saved it to use as gum later. Nah, really, I'd've spit it at some obnoxious person and said "take THAT!" (I usually put it in my napkin. With a cloth napkin, I'd still use the napkin, but then get it to my plate, like you did. THEN I save it for gum for later...) Kimmer Queen of the Niners, Instigator to all Marchers, High Priestess of Giggles Zero-minus-19 and counting!

What is your mailing address? I will save these and send them to you... Joy

Kimmer Queen of the Niners, Instigator to all Marchers, High Priestess of Giggles Zero-minus-19 and counting!

Miss Manners reccomends pretending to sneeze and seeing how far across the restaurant you can get it to go... Extra points if it lands on someone else's plate unnoticed... I have read to spit it on the fork and back to the plate but that sounds nasty so I would just take it out of my mouth as casually as possible and hide it like you did.. And then give it to Kimmer as gum...

Kimmer Queen of the Niners, Instigator to all Marchers, High Priestess of Giggles Zero-minus-19 and counting!

once again you guys have me laughing hysterically

OMG now you did it !!! Mop up on March 2004 Surgery date board !!!! I am going to definitely remember to go potty at lunchtime before I start reading the posts. Specially if they have HOT on them, I know that Kimmer's been here and well .. there is just NO telling !!! LMAO hugs, Mo (and the dancin' happy feet ) p.s. Joy, on your Original question, I think you handled it quite well.

Aw, cheez, Mo! They're just helping fill my gristle gum jar! Kimmer Queen of the Niners, Instigator to all Marchers, High Priestess of Giggles Zero-minus-19 and counting!