Ruling on serving oneself from a separate dish in a communal meal

Question:
Some people sit at the same table, but they place a dish in the serving area, and each person serves themselves into a small dish. Is this considered separation, may Allah reward you?

Answer:
No, the Sunnah is to extend one's hands and eat from the communal food, and it is possible for one person to serve himself.
Is this considered separation if he served from his own portion, O Shaykh?
The Shaykh: The matter is easy, just as if he ate with his hand, it is close, but leaving it is better.