The 7 deadly sins you may be guilty of when you dine out

As more restaurants shift to comfort-food-centric, recession-friendly concepts, a sense of formality seems to be slipping away. Which makes perfect sense -- who needs pearl-handled oyster forks and table-side flambé when the menu features meat loaf and mac 'n' cheese? However, no matter how laid-back the experience, there are certain things you just shouldn't do when you dine out. Here are our top 7 dining out pet peeves, inspired by the seven deadly sins. What are yours?

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GLUTTONY
More, More, More. An overzealous orderer can turn a friendly dinner into a silent battleground. Nothing grates like covering the costs of Mr. Surf-and-Turf, especially if the rest of the group is on a budget. If you feel the urge to order the market-price lobster and '66 Lafite, go for it, but it's common courtesy to offer to contribute a bit more (or chip in for a greater portion of the tip) if you're the main one splurging.

Or, treat yourself to an indulgent night of Lobster Tails and Chive Butter. No tip necessary.

GREED
Duty Calls. And Emails. And Texts. Our connected culture creates a class of permanently "on" employees. Which -- great, let's go economy! However, it is the humble opinion of this blogger that people who take work-related calls over a social dinner (or spend an entire meal texting, emailing, or BBMing) should be relegated to a special "Cell Phone Section" similar to smoking sections of years past. Sure, sneaking a discreet glance at your mobile device is fine, but conducting a conference call during the main course? Not so much

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LUST
Love To Love You - In Public. Ah, the restaurant PDA (Public Display of Affection). In small doses, this phenomenon is sweet -- the young couple cuddling in the corner, the married twosome stealing a kiss over their anniversary dinner. But when passion goes overboard, and cute canoodling turns to heavy groping, everyone's uncomfortable -- helpless waitstaff included.

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SLOTH
Lazy Parenting. Children shouldn't be excluded from dining out, and their natural exuberance is refreshing, but there seems to be a new generation of permissive parents who have no qualms letting Emma and Jayden run wild, treating servers like free babysitters and assuming everyone in the restaurant shares their tolerance for high-pitched screaming. Of course, kids will be kids, but for the sake of civility, at least attempt to reign in excessively rambunctious tots.

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ENVY
Entrée Jealousy. Let's say you're the type of person whose default order is "Salad, with dressing on the side". Good for you! However, once you receive your commendably healthy dish, it's poor form to then stare down your companion's steak until they offer you a bite, then another bite, until they finally just slice you a big hunk in order to eat in peace. If you're watching your weight but still crave something savory, consider asking your waiter for a half-portion or side serving.

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WRATH
Breaking Bread & Breaking Up. If you're going to have the breakup conversation, the savvy move is to do it in private. This way, the hysterics, sobbing, recrimination, insults, groveling, and violent outbursts needn't be experienced by the dining public at large. For the sake of other patrons, consider having the dreaded 'we need to talk' talk in the privacy of your home, car, or soothing anonymous outdoor space like a sunny park bench.

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PRIDE
Narcissism Gone Wild. If it's your birthday or bachelorette party or divorce party and you've decided to cut loose, more power to you! However, drinking your weight in Grey Goose and dancing on tables, screaming song lyrics, and requesting body shots from the waiter are in the realm of nightclub activity. Rule of thumb: If there are linen napkins nearby, save the pole-dance routine for the after-party.

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