吃飯還有許多社交的功用,譬如聯絡感情、談生意經等等,那就是“請吃飯”了。社交的吃飯種類雖然復雜,性質極為簡單,把飯給自己有飯吃的人吃,那是請飯;自己有飯可吃而去吃人家的飯,那是賞面子。交際的微妙不外乎此。反過來說,把飯給予沒飯吃的人吃,那是施食,自己無飯可吃而去吃人家的飯,賞面子就一變而為丟臉,這便是慈善救濟,算不上交際了。至于請飯時客人數目的多少,男女性別的配比,我們改天再談。
Eating also serves many social functions like fostering relationships and talking business etc. . which is known as “treatment”. Despite its complex classifications, the essence of social meals is extremely simple. Giving food to someone who has food to eat is inviting him to meals. For those who can afford food, being invited to others ’ table is receiving the treatment and their presence would be giving honor. The subtlety of intercourse is no other than this. On the contrary, it is charity to give food to those who cannot afford it. Likewise, their presence would be reduced to mortification. In that condition, the meal turns out to be alms rather than social interaction.