Okay, break. You don’t mind if I steal one from the road construction workers, do you?  

I want everyone reading this post to realize that yes, this does apply to you.

I’m talking about the way people treat servers when they go out. You know, the ones who will be getting your food and drink for you? The ones who know what is good, and what is not? The ones who can steer you in one direction or another, based on your needs on any given night? The ones who get to decide if your experience is a positive one or a negative one? Yeah, those guys (and gals).

It is said that when you go on a dinner date, you should see how your companion treats the server, because that is ultimately how they will be treating you in the long run if you end up together. Based on some of the behavior and treatment of waiters that I have witnessed in restaurants over the years, I feel real sorry for some couples (at least half of the couple). I have even been known to speak up from time to time (anyone who knows me, knows I have a hard time keeping my trap shut).

They are only trying to help

Seriously. Do you want to have a good time when you go out? Do you say please and thank you? Do you give the proper attention to the server when they approach your table, or do you ignore them, pretend they are not there, or that they don’t have anything better to do but wait on you hand and foot?

Do you treat them like human beings?

Let’s see. You are going to be rude to your server (even though you expect them to be nice to you), be demanding, make their job more difficult, not tip them generously, and then complain that you received bad service. Sometimes, I love customers.

I have seen you on Yelp

Unfortunately for those restaurateurs, the squeaky wheels get the most attention. I never really understood people checking out Yelp to decide whether or not to go to a restaurant. For every ‘good’ review of a place there are at least 15 bad ones. People just need a way to express their unhappiness sometimes, I guess.

Meet them half way

So. I say again: You want to have a good time when you eat out? Consider the server. They, more than the chef, are in the position to see that your experience is a memorable one. Be nice to them. Use the golden rule.

It is truly amazing how out of their way servers will go to make sure you enjoy your meal if you just meet them part-way. Meet them part-way.