Do you follow "the rule"?

[C.Ann]

When someone brings a food item to your home and leaves it for you to eat later, when you return the dish/bowl/pan whatever, do you fill it with something?

I remember my mom always doing that..

 

[Tinijocaro]

No, I don't, I think it's a stupid rule.

 

[phragmipedium]

I wonder if this is regional? I first heard of this on the Dis. I was taught to always return a dish clean, but had never heard "never return a dish empty." Etiquette's pretty big to me, so I hope no one ever thought I was rude returning it empty.

I think it's kind of a silly rule, especially since most of the time the original recipient would have been going through something life-changing or stressful (birth, death, illness) - why place a burden on them? But I suppose returning it with something in it would be nice, if possible.

 

[mickeymedic]

I don't. But I guess I never heard of that before. I actually think it's a pretty good idea.

 

[tonilea]

I've never heard of the rule, so I guess I am lacking.

 

[JimFitz]

Never heard of it before but its a nice idea and I think people should try it.

 

[C.Ann]

I always thought it was a pretty odd rule too..

As someone mentioned, normally when you bring food to someone it's because there is some kind of crisis going on in their lives; a new baby; recent surgery; etc. - and to expect them to return the dish with something in would seem even more "rude" to me..

 

[DISUNC]

Cool Idea!

 

[Reflection]

I never heard this 'rule,' and, no, I don't return the plate/pan/etc. with something in it, but I do return the item clean.

 

[FinallyBoughtDVC]

I return it clean and filled with chocolate kisses. Although, one time, I didn't return my friend's pasta platter and meant to. We joked about it because I kept forgetting to bring it over or return it to her on many, many subsequent visits to my home. They moved away about a year later, and I'm so glad I still have it. I love it so much and it reminds me of her...oh, shucks, now you have me all melancholyish. LOL.

 

[C.Ann]

Okay - we can agree that everyone returns it clean though, right?

 

[Stacerita]

Nope. Heck, the way my life is they should just be thankful that they got it back at all. I forget who brought what, and so do they at times. So I end up with a bunch of dishes that aren't mine and no one to claim them.

 

[Saphire]

I also have never heard of this. I have made many meals for people in need, but have always used the aluminum foil containers we now have readily available. The person doesn't have to worry about returning the proper dish, and it saves them clean up time.

 

[C.Ann]

Nope. Heck, the way my life is they should just be thankful that they got it back at all. I forget who brought what, and so do they at times. So I end up with a bunch of dishes that aren't mine and no one to claim them.

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So what you're really saying is that you're a "dish thief"??

 

[georgina]

Never heard of this rule either. I always use aluminum foil pans also. I had a couple of serious illnesses and have quite a collection from people bringing my family food! (Nothing gets thrown away in this house!)

 

[mytwotinks]

I think that sounds nice in some circumstances, but like others I would never want someone who was in "need" when I brought them the food to feel obligated to make me something in return.

I actually try my best to put everything in disposables so the person doesn't even have to do dishes. I sometimes even take canned drinks and paper plates so they don't have any clean up at all.

 

[Stacerita]

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So what you're really saying is that you're a "dish thief"??

Not exactly. But if I wash it its mine. j/k. By the time guests leave and I am cleaning up I can never remember who brought what dish. And with them all clean, don't know what was in the dish to match it up to the owner. So everyone knows better, if they want their dish, take it home with them. I try to get it to the rightful owner, but it doesn't happen.

 

[C.Ann]

Not exactly. But if I wash it its mine. j/k. By the time guests leave and I am cleaning up I can never remember who brought what dish. And with them all clean, don't know what was in the dish to match it up to the owner. So everyone knows better, if they want their dish, take it home with them. I try to get it to the rightful owner, but it doesn't happen.

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Well - you could always hold a party.. Instead of "Bring your own dish" you could call it "Come and get your dish!"

 

[Macca1111]

I've never heard of this rule. I always return dishes in usable condition - clean and empty.

 

[Barbossa]

Return the pan?