Waiting tables is an experience to add to my list of things to write about in that book I plan to author someday. :) Thankfully, most of our customers have been kind, patient, or at least mildly tolerant, so far. There have been several people, however, who are the poster children for demanding, rude, impatient, bitter, hostile customers. Not only has this experience shown me that I need to be a better customer (waitresses work long hours, are paid minimum wage, get snapped at frequently by some of the cooks, and are in the direct line of fire whenever a problem arises---if you receive good service, tips and kind words of encouragement are greatly appreciated! :) Just hearing a customer say, "Take your time. I'm not in a hurry." or a simple, "Thank you" makes my whole day brighter. :)
Waitressing is a fascinating study in human behavior. I enjoy observing people interact with each other and their server. I can usually tell quickly whether or not a table is going to be good. My favorite customers smile, greet their server, know what they want to order and make a decision, say please and thank you, and consolidate their requests to be helpful when they see that I am very busy. The most challenging customers are usually large tables with multiple children who have not been taught how to behave/order in a restaurant and the people who do not smile in return, avoid eye contact, mumble their orders, are extremely indecisive which causes me to have to cross out and rewrite tickets, and the constant complainers. |
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