How to Lose a Tip

It happenned again. My husband and I went out for dinner at moderate restaurant and the waiter decided to pull up a chair and sit down with us while he took our order. What is up with this?

My first job was as a waitress in family restaurant. It is a hard job, you stand all day, your feet hurt and the pay is not very good. People often blame you for problems that are not in your control, like a slow cook in the kitchen. I well remember how tired I was and frankly it was very motivational for me to continue in school to learn how to do something that paid better, had better hours and that did not perfume my clothes with the smell of pancake syrup.

Not once did I think that this was a problem that my customers should know about. Most people go out to spend time with the person they are with or to have a break at the end of the long day. I would never have sat down with a customer for a little break while I took their order because it is intrusive on the customer's space.

It just feels weird.

I have never met these people and now they are sitting next to me at dinner and sharing little tidbits about their day. These are always young people in their twenties so there does not appear to be a health issue. After taking my order, they seem to move from table to table repeating this pattern as if they are stuck in some form of adult musical chairs. I am not sure how to interact when this happens. It is uncomfortable because it feels elitist to react to this but there is a protocol for every profession. A great waiter is attentive to each table but is as invisible as possible.

The only thing I know for certain is that this is quickest way I know of to reduce your tip. You have just made your customer uncomfortable and created more of an interruption in their dining experience than was needed. They will remember this when you bring the check.