Manners: Elbows on the Table

You have probably been told at least once in your life, "No elbows on the table!" This popular admonition leaves many wondering, "Why not?"

The real answer has nothing to do with your elbows at all, but with your back — that is to say, with your posture. For a long time, proper posture was considered to be extremely important. You stood with your back straight, you sat with your back straight, etc.

If you sit or stand with proper posture, then your elbows automatically relax at your sides. But ...