S/O: Do you put your elbows on the dinner table?

[BlueStarryHat]

I was reading Christa's post about eating at the kitchen table or not, and it got me to thinking of when I was a kid. My Dad strictly enforced the 'no elbows on the table' rule at all meals, and to this day I can't eat with mine on the table. Neither can my sister. We both do as we were taught, arms resting on the edge of the table with elbows not showing. It was the only dinner table rule he was a stickler about; I have no idea why.

So-do you or don't you?

 

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

Other: It would be hard to put my elbows on the dinner table when my feet are there.

 

[georgina]

Yes! Absolutely! My house, my rules.

(like you said, no idea why this ever was a rule) so many of these conventoons are silly and arbitrary and I gleefully ignore them

 

[amylevan]

I am permanently scarred from summer camp. It was a game to catch someone with their elbows on the table and then break out in a song that had you walk around the tables. I attended that camp for 1-3 weeks every summer for 28 years as a camper then staff member, and was horrified at the idea of getting caught. So…..it’s ingrained in me now. Elbows off the table!

 

[kymom99]

Probably do. We were never fussed at for that. I don’t know the reason for that rule.

 

[Minnesota!]

Sure do.

 

[tinkerbellandpeterpan]

I do it often and it annoys me every time I catch myself doing it even though I could not possibly care less if someone else does it. I have no idea why it irritates me when I notice I'm doing it.

 

[JBRB828]

I do at home….lol. However, while at Hollywood Studios back in August, we had dinner at the 50’s Prime Time Cafe., where no elbows are allowed on the table according to our server, cousin Mary. It was a hilarious dinner because my 6 year old granddaughter wouldn’t listen to her. Now don’t get me wrong, she does listen at home so she was just instigating trouble with cousin Mary. The results were great!

 

[Micca]

The rule about elbows on tables was established in the 16th century when farm workers would come in for the evening after having cleaned livestock stalls with their elbows. Nobody wanted those nasty elbows on the table. If they didn't have the opportunity to wash prior to dinner, at least they didn't have their nasty elbows right up there in your face while you were trying to eat. They couldn't do much about the smell though.

 

[TippyThomas]

When my parents were alive and we ate I absolutely would not have put my elbows on the table. That just wasn't allowed with them at all. I probably do it at home every now and again but it's something I'm very aware of based on how important it was for them back in the day.

 

[Mysterian]

My parents were never once strict about this, yet it wasn't something we were prone to do either.

We ate, then left the table. It's easier to eat without your elbows on the table anyway. I can understand if it's someone holding a burger, but otherwise?

 

[Mysterian]

I have no idea why it irritates me when I notice I'm doing it.

I'm curious about this too. Are people just conditioned to believe it's wrong? Does it actually serve a purpose?

I consulted the Etiquette Consultant!
https://theetiquetteconsultant.com/blog/elbowsonthetable

"One train of thought is that the rule of elbows ‘off’ the table originated during the middle ages. At this time period, particularly in England, the dining tables were not constructed in the same as they are constructed now. They were actually ‘trestles’ and therefore less solid, and without a fixed base. A trestle would be covered with a simple cloth before dining to give a more elaborate appearance. Platters of food would be placed on one side (length) of the table and the guests would all be seated on the other side along the length of the table. If the guests were to lean on the table in any way (or place their elbows on the table) the table could actually collapse, hence the rule of no elbows on the table!! This seems logical but is it still relevant nowadays?"

The article mentions that posture is one factor for not using elbows on the table, but is that really why people are against it?

 

[fla4fun]

No, but my chair is back far enough that it would be difficult to do so.

 

[Mysterian]

Yes! Absolutely! My house, my rules.

(like you said, no idea why this ever was a rule) so many of these conventoons are silly and arbitrary and I gleefully ignore them

So it's a rule in your house, despite being silly and arbitrary? Is it just a rule because it's a rule?

 

[Kitty 34]

No way especially when we were kids eating dinner with our parents. It's sooooo ingrained in me that I doubt I do it much now. I'll try to be aware the next time I'm at a restaurant.

 

[Gary M]

I put my elbows on the table.

 

[georgina]

So it's a rule in your house, despite being silly and arbitrary? Is it just a rule because it's a rule?

The question was do I put my elbows on the table. My answer was yes. My rules means I make my own rules, and no elbows on the table is not one of them. On the EXTREMELY unlikely chance you were sitting at my table you would not be required to place your elbows on the table.

 

[ronandannette]

I do. Not while we're actually eating, but definitely if we're around a table visiting or playing games.

 

[Mysterian]

The question was do I put my elbows on the table. My answer was yes. My rules means I make my own rules, and no elbows on the table is not one of them. On the EXTREMELY unlikely chance you were sitting at my table you would not be required to place your elbows on the table.

Fine, you don't have to twist my arm, I will come over for dinner.

 

[BayouQueen]

I don't. My mom said not to.