Spaghetti is a tricky dish to navigate, especially when eating it on a date or business meal. Will the other person judge your spoon swirling? Where does the knife come into play? Are you ever allowed to slurp? God forbid a rogue noodle dangle from your mouth and make you look as dumb as you feel.

We would hate for you to be nervous about eating pasta—so when we came upon this article from Time illustrating step-by-step spaghetti eating tips, courtesy of a 1942 issue of LIFE magazine, we had to share. Here's how they guide you through the process.

Step 1:

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Alfred Eisenstaedt/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images

Step 2:

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Alfred Eisenstaedt/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images

Step 3:

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Alfred Eisenstaedt/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images

Caption from LIFE: Four strands of spaghetti should be segregated from the pile.

Step 4:

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Alfred Eisenstaedt

Caption from LIFE: With soup spoon as prop, twirl fork and spaghetti gently.

Step 5:

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Alfred Eisenstaedt/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images

Caption from LIFE: A ladylike mouthful of spaghetti is ready for consumption.

Step 6:

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Alfred Eisenstaedt/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images


Caption from LIFE: Full forkful should be consumed in entirety. Nibbling is out.

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Step 7:

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Alfred Eisenstaedt/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images

Caption from LIFE: Truant strands require patience, lip facility, suck-power.

Step 8:

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Alfred Eisenstaedt/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images

Caption from LIFE: With end in sight, diner has consumed 160 in. of spaghetti.

Play your carbs right, and there is sure to be a second date.