Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Business Etiquette Practice Test

If someone asks for the salt at the dining table, what should you do?

1. Only pass the salt

2. Pass both the salt and the pepper

3. Ignore the request

4. Ask why they need it

The correct answer is: Pass both the salt and the pepper

When someone requests the salt at the dining table, the most courteous and proper response is to pass both the salt and pepper. This is based on common dining etiquette, which dictates that salt and pepper are typically used together to season food. By offering both, you are being considerate and accommodating to the other person's needs, enhancing their dining experience. Passing only the salt may come off as incomplete or even slightly rude, since it implies that you are not acknowledging the customary pairing. Ignoring the request or asking for a reason could also be seen as inconsiderate or intrusive, which goes against the principles of polite dinner conversation and behavior. Therefore, passing both condiments reflects a thoughtful understanding of dining etiquette.