In my almost 22 years, I’ve worked many different jobs. From manual laborer to camp counselor to retail, I’ve done it all. The one job that stands out would be the food service. I’ve worked in fast food, but there’s nothing like being a full on server in a restaurant, specifically a small, Portlandian-style joint with great food. Since I’ve been in this field, I’ve picked up on a few things I feel most every server will understand

1. Greeting a customer that doesn’t acknowledge you.

Now don’t get me wrong, sometimes you aren’t loud enough or people don’t hear you BUT, if you are obviously heard and someone snuffs you, NOT COOL.

2. When asking a customer what they want, and they talk over/correct you.

You obviously don’t know what the customer wants (unless it’s a regular, then you probably do.) Every once in a while, you get a rare customer whose IQ is above everyone else. The moment they walk in, they know the menu, your boss, and owner, better than you. You might as well not even speak.

3. You: “I’m sorry, we aren’t able to do that.”

Them: “Oh, it should be okay. I used to be a server.”

Hmm.. just because your past establishments allowed certain things to be done certain ways, does not mean ours does.

4. When you bring the food out, and they instantly have an issue with something.

If the menu said it came with onions, they shouldn’t get mad at you for their ignorance. Now you can thank them for making you cry, twice.

5. Ordering a ton of food, and then EATING NOTHING.

THIS IS THE ACTUAL WORST. It’s a waste of food and everyone's time. And then they leave the mess for you to clean up...if only you could ban them. When taking away their full plate, you could always say, "Hey! More for me!" (I'll leave this to your discretion)

6. Sampling EVERYTHING.

There shouldn’t be any issues giving the customers a sample of something. However, if they keep asking to try every beer you have on tap or every possible little thing they can get their mitts on, then tell them to go to Baskin Robbins.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST

7. Lousy tippers.

Literally the most frustrating thing! Servers rely on their tips to make bills. If people don’t tip, you’re losing out on a huge chunk of your monthly earnings. 5 cents in the tip jar on a $24.95 ticket isn't sufficient. If you catch someone tipping you poorly, give them a tip back: "Don't forget to wash your hands," or "look both ways before you cross the street." Anything equivalently helpful to the tip they left.

I hope this gave my fellow servers a laugh and if you are someone who finds yourself doing something on this list, think twice before doing it again.