Why It’s Considered Rude to Put Elbows on the Table

• Medieval origins: In crowded banquet halls, space was limited. Keeping elbows off the table prevented jostling neighbours and spilling food.

• Hygiene: Early dining tables were often communal boards. Resting arms on them was seen as unsanitary.

• Posture and manners: Elbows on the table can cause slouching, which historically was linked to poor breeding or lack of refinement.

• Modern view: Today, the rule is less strict, but in formal settings, keeping elbows off during meals is still considered polite.

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19 Other Common Etiquette Rules

1. Chew with your mouth closed – prevents unpleasant noise and sight.

2. Don’t talk with food in your mouth – clear speech and courtesy.

3. Wait for everyone to be served before eating – shows respect for others.

4. Use utensils properly – avoid clinking, scraping, or misuse.

5. Napkin on the lap – signals readiness and tidiness.

6. Don’t reach across the table – ask for items to be passed instead.

7. Say “please” and “thank you” – simple but essential.

8. Hold doors open – courtesy for those behind you.

9. Cover your mouth when coughing/sneezing – hygiene and respect.

10. Introduce people properly – helps build social comfort.

11. Avoid interrupting – let others finish speaking.

12. Keep your phone away at meals – shows attentiveness.

13. Stand when greeting or being introduced – conveys respect.

14. Offer a firm but not crushing handshake – balanced first impression.

15. Write thank-you notes – especially for gifts or hospitality.

16. Respect personal space – avoid standing too close.

17. Use people’s names in conversation – creates connection.

18. Arrive on time – punctuality is respect for others’ time.

19. Dress appropriately for the occasion – shows consideration.

20. Listen attentively – being present is core to good manners.

Source: Some or all of the content was generated using an AI language model