Nephew's table manners unfit for civilized company

DEAR ABBY:

I'm a 50-something single man living with my elderly mother. My father passed away a while ago, and the only members of my family left are me, my mom, and my older sister, who has a 27-year-old son, "Jeff." They do not live with us.

My sister has been divorced for 10 years. Jeff and his parents never had a scheduled dinner time, and they never ate together. Jeff's meals consisted of whatever he wanted, eaten in his bedroom.

Once a week, my mother makes a nice dinner and invites my sister and nephew over. The problem is, Jeff was never taught proper table manners. He eats like a caveman, slurps his food, and holds the utensils like a 2-year-old. It's embarrassing. When I mention this to my mother, she gets on my case about "criticizing" him. She sees the problem, but doesn't want to say anything for fear of offending him. His mother sees it, too, but does nothing.

Jeff has no girlfriend or significant other at the moment, but if he were to go to any "nice" restaurant, he'd end up looking idiotic. It has reached the point where I can no longer look at him while we are at the table, because it ruins my appetite. How can someone tactfully teach this kid how to eat and conduct himself properly?

- Caveman's Uncle

DEAR UNCLE: This is a sad situation, considering how many social occasions revolve around food. If no one ever took the time during the last 27 years to explain basic table etiquette to Jeff, you can't blame your nephew for his atrocious manners.

You should speak to him about this - but privately - and ask whether he would like you to give him some pointers. However, if he refuses, you might be happier eating elsewhere when your mother invites Jeff and his mom for dinner.

DEAR ABBY:

Recently, my wife and I went dancing with my friend "Dick" and his wife. While I was in the middle of a conversation with Dick, my wife kept trying to interrupt. She even laid her hand on my arm to try to get my attention. I ignored her and told her later that she had been rude to try to interrupt my conversation. She thinks I disrespected her and our marriage by putting conversation with my friend above her. This happens often when the four of us are together.

Am I being insensitive to my wife's feelings? We frequently disagree, but we have been married 44 years. Your input would be appreciated.

- Always a Loving Husband

DEAR LOVING HUSBAND: It is generally considered rude to interrupt someone when he or she is talking. The next time your wife does it, stop and ask her what's so important. (Could it be that the band is playing your song?)

However, if you have been droning on with your buddy for a long time, she may simply be craving some attention. If that's the case, perhaps it would be better if you saw Dick on a one-to-one basis without the wives around. That way you won't be interrupted.