Etiquette: When Is It OK To Use The Five-Second Rule?

About the “five-second rule” — that rule that states food that has been dropped on the floor is safe to eat if picked up within five seconds.

Clearly the five second rule was made up by bachelors who were trying to convince their girlfriends — and later, their wives, that if a piece of food hits the floor for five seconds or fewer, it is still okay to eat. Think about it. Who else would find this rule logical?

While endearing, I always advise my bachelor readers to keep that five-second rule between themselves. Locker rooms, poker games and other men only venues are the ONLY place where the five second rule can be applied without offense. When there are ladies present, if it hits the floor, it doesn’t go in your mouth.