This common dinner rule makes meals more awkward (opens in new tab)

Waiting to eat when your food arrives first feels polite—but it may be mostly for your own peace of mind. Researchers found people feel far more uncomfortable breaking the “wait until everyone is served” rule than they expect others would feel watching it happen. Even being told to go ahead doesn’t fully ease the discomfort. Serving everyone at once could reduce awkwardness and make meals more enjoyable.