No elbows on the table rule is arbitrary and not relevant in 2024

[ShortWide]

I was taught not to put my elbows on the table when eating, but I have decided that as long as I don’t encroach on my fellow diners’ space, this is not a problem. Not sure what everyone else thinks though! I could definitely be persuaded to change my mind on this if the majority of people would be horrified by this lack of manners.

YABU - you should never have elbows on the table

YANBU - elbows on the table is no big deal these days

Good manners, including table manners, costs nothing. 🤷‍♀️

We don’t eat at a table, so nothing to put elbows on, problem solved!

Fine at home but I wouldn't in a restaurant.

I would suggest you try it a bit more if you have sat one way for years or will take a while to get the benefits of the more relaxed pose. It's just natural way to sit, the no elbow is a learnt behaviour.

It is literally a rule someone made up for a purpose that no longer is relevant.

We hopefully have evolved as a society to not be as judgemental and understanding to others cultural and personal preferences for comfort.

Please don't apply for a job as an etiquette advisor.

It's lazy to put them on the table.

It really is not if you have been taught properly from the outset.

Hilarious, etiquette advisor? I would suggest you consider the more recent role of intercultural advisor. Very few jobs are in cultural sylos.

It is much more important today to not be in a mindset that doesn't meet EDI nor cultural inclusion.

Gosh, sarcasm goes completely over your head doesn't it?

Gosh maybe write better to clearly display sarcasm 🤦‍♀️🤷‍♀️

Write better? I think you meant write more clearly.

And a comma is required after your 'Gosh'

Nope I got it. Complete sarcasm. Or was your response sarcastic in nature 😂?

Unless for religious or medical reasons, no hats on your head whilst eating please. Especially baseball caps, it's so fxuking rude. Take your hat off when you eat people. It's rude, your not outside and it's not raining either. No need. Use as many elbows as you like though. No burping, farting, sneezing, coughing either. Excuse yourself and do it in the bathroom, you savage.

I've literally never seen anyone do this covering their mouth when eating? Is it common in your circles?

Maybe they also consider it bad manners to tell you...

YABU - no elbows on tables and I judge. Sorry but I really do. It is not OK.

1. It causes the diner to sit too far forward, blocking other diners' views of each other, stunting communications and general conviviality.
2. High chance of getting food that's splashed onto the tables all over your sleeves.
3. Gives the general impression you are so lacking in energy and oomph that you can't even be bothered to support your own body weight by sitting up normally. Not particularly flattering for your companions.

It's a stupid and arbitrary rule which I am happy to disregard.

I always rest my elbows on the table. Not while I am using my cutlery and putting food into my mouth as that would be awkward and uncomfortable, but otherwise they are always there (on the table).

If anyone decides to be offended by that then that's their problem.

Knife and fork placed together indicates that you have finished and makes plate clearing a lot easier if one person is clearing the table

I was brought up being told to take my elbows off the table, but now that you've prompted me to think about it, I can honestly say I've never in my life noticed or been bothered by anyone doing it.

The lining up your knife and fork neatly across the middle of the plate I do agree with. It's to signal you've finished eating therefore isn't arbitrary.

Come to Australia. It's quite common here, though only among women, I've found.
It's weird, like some denial of what one is doing. It's not annoying and 🤮 in the way that putting the hand in front of the mouth while continuing to talk with the mouth full of food. Again, only women in my experience.