text: why do most men have bad table manners? i am good friends with someone i will call oinky for now.we eat out sometimes and also eat in.only one problem.....breathing hard and smacking food.oh,and i must mention talking with his mouth full.it is so irritating i am almost ready to stop being his dining partner.i know he is aware of what's happening.some people might think this is petty but i will appreciate good suggestions.thanks i don't think it's men specifically.  table manners are in decline everywhere.  i go to restaurants and see men and women with their elbows on the table, talking with their mouthful, talking on their cell phone without excusing themselves.  women and men equally.  the problem i think is that most people (1) aren't familiar with the "rules" and (2) the "me" generation has made it acceptable to think only about ourselves and not those around us.  i don't think we should have to return to the days of knowing the fish fork from the salad fork from the meat fork, from the dessert fork, etc.  but at least get rid of "see food" as my kids tried to joke about before i sent them to the kitchen without dessert.