Elbows on the table. . . . . . . manners?

[TheGreatSatan]

Why is this bad manners exactly? I never got it. Also, making your bed in the morning to me is stupid. You're just going to sleep in it again anyway.

My kids know to not disrespect me and they know who is the boss. A lot of "manners" seem retarded to me and I don't enforce them. I joke a lot with others that I don't teach my kids about fairy tales like Santa, Jesus or the easter bunny.:lick:

[Zephik]

When your elbows are up on the table, you have an increased risk of knocking something over. Its just a rule to decrease the chance of such a thing occurring. I've learned this the hard way. lol

I also feel that, though some of these "rules" are without any real reason, that sometimes we should do them anyways because of the affect it can have on yourself and the people around you. Practicing "good manners" I feel can help bring a sense of control to yourself and can somewhat alter the way others think about you. For example, when someone see's that you don't have your elbows up on the table, they think that you know your manners, whether they make sense or not, and thats a positive thought that they have about you, which might make a difference in how people think of you and treat you. Thats all my personal opinion, mind you. I've always been about the small details, I think they seem rather pointless alone, but I think they matter more often than not when you add them all up. (I'm a much more laid back person than that, btw. I couldn't care less what kind of person you are or the "manners" you practice or not. I'm just saying, these things might make a difference, or they might not, its strictly theory)

Making your bed seems to have some kind of weird affect on/for some people. Personally, I think that it provides a feeling of control and stability but I've also heard that it can also improve your nights sleep. Its recommended for people who toss and turn all night, to get out of bed and proceed to "make your bed". This could also be playing off of the theory that it helps provide a feeling of control and stability, but personally, I just think a made bed is more comfortable and that it just looks nice too. :p

Any others? I like thinking about these kinds of things. Question the man, man! :D

[BuzzKillington]

It's the same with most cultures. Some places it's polite to bring the food up to your mouth where others it's polite to bend down to it. Same with a burp after dinner is a compliment to the chef. Weird. most Etiquette is stupid. I'll chew with my mouth closed and not slurp but don't tell me what fork or spoon to use.

I think the elbow thing is completely stupid because it's a much more comfortable way to chow down. I don't care, no restaurant will keep these elbows off the table! haha

[BuzzKillington]

PS: Making my bed in the wee hours of the morning for some reason gets me motivated for the day.

[Oneslowz28]

I was raised to keep my elbows off the table, chew with my mouth closed, and never let a ladie open a door on her own if I am in reach. Breaking any of those got me a spanking and restriction ranging from a couple days to A week. Also included in that was yes sir no sir yea mam and no mam. I guess being from the deep south and raised with strong beliefs made this stick. Btw posted this from my Ipod

[DonT-FeaR]

i believe..
mouth closed yes..
help people with doors and such if in reach yes..
teach kids about the adult imaginary friend (god) no..
other stuff too.

just be polite and help out if you can.

[billygoat333]

I was raised to keep my elbows off the table, chew with my mouth closed, and never let a ladie open a door on her own if I am in reach. Breaking any of those got me a spanking and restriction ranging from a couple days to A week. Also included in that was yes sir no sir yea mam and no mam. I guess being from the deep south and raised with strong beliefs made this stick. Btw posted this from my Ipod


I always say yes sir or ma'am. its funny how many times I get told, "wow, sir? am I really that old looking?" like its a bad thing. I personally think its a sign of respect, not age. I call kids "sir" too. :S

I also got the spanking for not being polite, and later on when I was of age, I had to take my mom out on a mock date so she knew I knew how to treat a lady before I could actually date anyone.

[Airbozo]

Well, I was taught, one hand in your lap while eating, no elbows on the table. Put your napkin on your lap when you sit down. Most of these rules of etiquette are for someone to show that they are better than someone else. I personally think it makes you look low class if it is just a free for all at the table.

Yes Sir, No Sir? I was also taught to respect my elders even if they are only my elders by a few years. My Father in law had to keep reminding me to call him by his first name and not Mr. C.

I always hold the door for anyone, except if there is a woman who walks up to the door and waits for you to open it for them. Then I use another door. I HATE the assumption that a man HAS to open a door for some chick, and certain women that use it as a source of power. (yes I like messing with people)

Religion and Fairy tales; The particular fairy tales some people teach their kids is not my concern, unless they try to include me in their deception. In order to keep peace in the family I keep my mouth shut unless asked a direct question (some of the in-laws are Cathoholics...), then I answer as truthfully as I can without trying top piss them off. But I AM honest with my beliefs. Some people just need the fear of a god in them. Some don't.

[Datech]

I agree with most of the assertions about making beds being slightly ridiculous, but I practice it for another reason: as a sign of respect. If you have guests coming over, no matter what the occasion, it is a sign of respect that you prepared for their arrival. If you tell someone the bathroom is around the corner, and they walk by your bedroom and see your unmade bed, some with think, "Wow, he doesn't care enough about me to make his bed before I come over."

That is the general way I look at bed making. For the other things mentioned already, I was brought up with the no elbows on the table rule out of respect as well, but college dining halls has since changed that. I'll probably give my kids enough information about major religions to get them interested if they so choose, but they will get a heavy does of hellfire and brimstone from just living in Georgia.

Yes sir/ma'am is a big thing for me though. I've done this out of habit since I was 8, and I learned to do it out of the realization of the respect factor rather than having it beat into me. There are always situations where it is proper to be formal or informal, but unless you are in a comfortable setting it is always best to err on the side of formal. I say sir and ma'am to anyone except my closest friends, and even then I'll still include ma'am for all of the women every now and then, and call all my elder men sir. Some say it is a Southern thing, but I think it should be practiced no matter what. I also see it as a sign of disrespect if someone scoffs at me calling them sir or ma'am.

[Zero767]

Why is this bad manners exactly? I never got it. Also, making your bed in the morning to me is stupid. You're just going to sleep in it again anyway.

My kids know to not disrespect me and they know who is the boss. A lot of "manners" seem retarded to me and I don't enforce them. I joke a lot with others that I don't teach my kids about fairy tales like Santa, Jesus or the easter bunny.:lick:

Rofl.

Anyways, im with you. A lot of 'manners' seem quite pointless to me.

[altec]

I've never liked having my elbows on the table. Just because I'm slouching when I do it. I don't like that.

[xRyokenx]

I think a lot of rules are made because someone gets aggravated by something or it's a pet peeve. I personally just try to be polite, respectful, neat, clean, organized, etc. It's all a matter of how I want to present myself, and I don't want to look or act like some random slob.

[simon275]

I think having good manners are a good life skill as it makes people think well off you. Like holding doors open can be a good way to strike up a conversation. Also chewing with your mouth open is just gross. Also that is very true about knocking things over with your elbows this happens a lot with wine glasses.

[Liquid_Scope_99]

making your bed in the morning to me is stupid. You're just going to sleep in it again anyway.


Finally somebody that asks that same questio ni will have to show this too my wife Thanks TGS

[xRyokenx]

For some reason, to me, going to sleep in a bed that was made in the morning is more relaxing, somehow. That and it looks nicer.

[DonT-FeaR]

honestly... lights are out when i get in bed.. the switch is before the bed so... whats the point..

i agree with the guest thing but keep ur door shut unless ur expecting another type of company :) wink wink,,,

liking the discussion

[xRyokenx]

I tend to spend at least five minutes untangling everything when I go to bed at night... waaaay too much crap. I think the pillows are multiplying somehow. Maybe they have rabbit DNA or something. Confounded mutant pillows.

[progbuddy]

Why is this bad manners exactly? I never got it. Also, making your bed in the morning to me is stupid. You're just going to sleep in it again anyway.

My kids know to not disrespect me and they know who is the boss. A lot of "manners" seem retarded to me and I don't enforce them. I joke a lot with others that I don't teach my kids about fairy tales like Santa, Jesus or the easter bunny.:lick:

It's a polite thing to do in Germany.