Melania looks so uncomfortable at the dinner with the Japanese

[mfcorey1]

group. The seating does not help. She should have been placed closer to the Prime MInister's wife. Then maybe she could engage in some general conversation. But instead she jus seems to be a trophy wife with no input. She is almost about to get my sympathy.

[madaboutharry]

1. Where did you see the photo?

[mfcorey1]

2. CNN showed the video in their evening broadcast.

[madaboutharry]

4. Ok.

There is a part of me that feels sorry for her, but you know that old saying: "When you marry for money, you earn every penny."

[Miles Archer]

3. Here's one

Patriots owner joins Trump, Abe for dinner

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/the-latest-patriots-owner-joins-trump-abe-for-dinner/2017/02/10/c893d338-effb-11e6-a100-fdaaf400369a_story.html

[madaboutharry]

6. Why isn't she sitting next to her husband?

That strikes me as strange.

[unc70]

10. Formal seating

While the small round table is somewhat unusual in such settings, formal seating does not have couples seated together. I would have to get out my etiquette books to be sure if they are following protocol.

I am involved with and attend a number of formal (black tie) events each year. At the most formal events, couples are not seated together. The formal seating places them roughly as far apart as possible.

[madaboutharry]

12. Interesting

Is that so people talk to people other than their spouses?

[unc70]

16. Yes, very much so

The rules under protocol are very structured, but they are fairly so even under those for a formal dinner party.

Not only are the rules for seating designed to force conversation outside the couple, there are "rules" that gentlemen first converse with the lady on their left, later with the lady in their right. In truly formal occasions, this change in focus is initiated by the hostess who shifts her focus mid meal. Others follow suit. It is called the turning of the table.

[lostnfound]

17. Her boorish husband would have no clue of such rules

And would be incapable of allowing conversation among others at the table, as he would want to be the center of attention at all times.

[mfcorey1]

7. Should this visit by the Japanese dignitary have generated a formal state dinner?

[alphafemale]

8. HaHA! The Lookie-loo just above Melania's head.

[JudyM]

20. Would've expected more gold on the table besides S&P caps. Abe was tuned in with his gold tie.

[RKP5637]

5. Yep! "... just seems to be a trophy wife with no input." n/t

[democratisphere]

9. Melania believes great distances for extended periods makes the heart grow "fonder".

[Sherman A1]

11. I think she looks uncomfortable

any time she is around him.

[smirkymonkey]

13. She always looks like someone who is headed to the gallows.

I can't imagine what it must be like to be walking on eggshells all the time. I feel a bit sorry for her.

[HipChick]

14. Maybe she's not allowed to talk, just sit there and look like a trophy...

don't feel sorry for her...

[dixiegrrrrl]

18. It has been reported several times that she is self conscious of her accent

and feels more comfortable talking with people she knows well.
I can understand that.

but..she is also reported to be fluent in at least 4 languages, so I would think she would be an asseset in some ways.

[HipChick]

19. Don't give a rat's arse...

I have an accent, any one who believes the spin on her...

[kstewart33]

15. Melanie gets my sympathy.

Given the kind of man who is her husband.

She obviously doesn't want the FL job, or to spend 4 years in the White House.

She's stuck, IMHO. I wonder if her attempts to make $$$ are an attempt to make enough money to divorce him. But of course, she can't for at least 4 years. She seems scared of him.