Elbows and other items that don’t belong on the dining table

The only things that belong on the dining table are food, the vessels that food is served in, crockery, and cutlery. All non-food items do not belong on the table. Your elbows on the table takes up space meant for for food and food related items. It also contributes to bad posture. You pretty much have to slouch in order to get your elbows on the table. A healthy and elegant posture requires that you sit up with your shoulders and your back straight. Slouching is unacceptable under any circumstances. Plus putting up your elbows is a great way to block your neighbor from trying to have a conversation with you. It can be perceived as hostile body language meant to make it clear that you don’t want to engage with whoever is sitting next to you. Additionally, your elbows are dirty. We routinely wash our hands throughout the day. We specifically wash hands before we eat. However, we do not wash elbows as standard operating procedure, so your dirty elbows don’t belong on the dining table.
Having random items like a cellphone, purse or keys on the table is unhygienic. Everything on the table should be clean enough to eat from. You are causing cross contamination by adding items to the table that are not meant to be part of the meal. These are items that you lay on all types of surfaces in public, in the restroom, and other random places. There is only one exception to the rule, and that is a centerpiece. But the centerpiece is not a personal item or accessory that you carry on your person on a daily basis. You can place small items discreetly in your lap, but never on the table.

Basic etiquette tips for Japan? For anyone?

I saw this article Basic etiquette tips for Japan: The social rules of conduct. Those are the same basic rules that we promote on this blog. It is remarkable how much we have in common with the rest of the world. We all know that different countries have their own etiquette rules, but you will find that we have more in common than differences. The point is that basic manners are not only applicable in the USA, but you can practice them anywhere you go. Your classy behavior will be appreciated.

You should also consider that many people love American culture. American TV can be found in every country on the planet. They watch all the movies, shows, and reality TV. Everyone know what bad behavior is, and what a bad attitude looks like. Regardless of race, color, or ethnicity.

  • No Eating or drinking on trains

  • No Speaking in a loud voice on trains

  • No Public displays of affection

There is even an older article 16 Etiquette Tips When Riding Trains In Japan. Check out the list below and you will realize that more than half are rules that we follow here in America. My favorite rule is number 16. It is truly fascinating that they would be considerate of women. As a woman you can fall victim to unwanted touches from a man in a crowded train. This is a great way for women to feel more comfortable on their commute.

  1. Step off to the Side If You Cannot Get Through

  2. Pay Attention to Which Side You Walk

  3. Keep Your Head Up When Walking

  4. Only Smoke in Designated Areas

  5. Wait in Line Before Boarding

  6. Let People Get off First

  7. Don't Rush onto the Train

  8. Move Into the Car

  9. Silence Your Phone and Don't Make Phone Calls

  10. Lower Your Volume

  11. Refrain from Eating

  12. Hold Your Bags Close to Yourself

  13. Don't Take Up Too Much Space

  14. Give Up Your Seat in Priority Seating

  15. Avoid Rush Hour

  16. Female Passengers Can Use Designated Cars