Heads up!

In such rigid hierarchal cultures as Korea and Japan, alcohol helps to break down the strict social barrier between classes. It allows for a hint of informality to creep in. It is traditional for host and guest to take turns filling each other's cups and encouraging each other to gulp it down. For someone who does not consume alcohol (except for religious reasons), it can be difficult escaping the ritual of the social drink.

Getting to the topic of this article, I enjoy dining out but sometimes am a bit disconcerted at the seeming ignorance or disregard of the positive impact of tasteful manners by some (no pun intended). I've seen instances of people eating in a group while wearing caps.

Recently I watched a sole young adult wolfing down his meal while wearing headphones, as well as the obligatory baseball cap (right way round, I might add!), and with sunglasses parked on top.

Sure - he was alone, so was probably trying to entertain himself, but his poise was one of complete social and cultural isolation from the surrounds, and I wondered why he had even bothered to join the ambience of this restaurant in the first place.

If you wear a hat indoors, it suggests that you have someplace better to be. It's also a sign that you're going somewhere!
A woman is exempt from this rule if her hat is considered to be decorative, and not functional.
The gesture of removing ones hat, headdress or helmet dates back to ancient times, however the exact date of origin is not known.

Knights removed helmets in the presence of a king, as a display of vulnerability and trust that the king would not kill them. They also removed helmets in church as an expression of security in one's sanctuary, and displayed chivalry by removing headpieces in the presence of a lady.

The practice of removing one's hat evolved to represent a show of respect and courtesy in various situations -- including the removal of the hat when entering a home, courtroom, restaurant ,or church.

These old customs are not necessarily dated, especially if they help to make others feel in greater harmony with you, so there is much to be said for keeping them in fashion.

So, hats off for harmony! It could help manners to get ahead.