DEAR MISS MANNERS: After a meal at a restaurant, my mother is in the habit of vigorously rubbing both of her hands with one or two lemon slices, squeezing the juice into her palms, pouring water onto a napkin, then wiping her hands. She will even go so far as to shake excess water from her hands onto her plate.

Mother thinks this is perfectly acceptable dining etiquette, especially since a finger bowl is usually not provided. Even if a finger bowl were available, I understand that one’s use of it would be discreet; one wouldn’t scrub one’s hands and shake them about.

I have asked Mother repeatedly to stop her handwashing at the table. She makes a great show of this, and I find it embarrassing. Naturally, Mother won’t take a daughter’s advice.

GENTLE READER: This must be quite a show.

I

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