Dear Annie:

I have been dating a wonderful man who is very special but has absolutely no table etiquette. I know I should try to overlook it, but I can't.

"Jed" talks with his mouth full, chows down as if he hasn't eaten in a month, uses his fingers to push food onto his fork, holds his fork upright as if he's about to carve a turkey and cuts all his meat into pieces before he starts to eat.

This is starting to affect the romantic side of our relationship. One evening, I actually got nauseous. I hate to hurt him. What can I do? － Dating a Caveman

Dear Dating:

Breaking up over this would also hurt, so you may as well say something. Tell Jed you think he is wonderful and you want others to think so, too, but his table manners might give a negative impression, especially to business associates. Ask if he would mind if you gave him a few pointers.