[sweetwater]

We probably learned table manners from newspaper articles than real life. I do not recall ever going to a restaurant that did not have a drive-thru window, but at home we were expected to conduct ourselves in such a way as to not get the Old Man mad. It was a survival consideration, not a courtesy to our table mates. I have never seen or heard of the "American custom" of switching a fork to the other hand but I would not do it anyway. I'm a lefty and have a difficult enough time with a right-handed world. Rightys can just look the other way on that one, I insist on indulging my stubborn streak on that point! Elbows on the table look slovenly and are hazardous to items that do belong on the table, but I think it's more to present a good form to others diners, much like a washed face, combed hair, and clean clothes allow others to enjoy a meal since they have to look at you while you share the table.