If there's one thing that most people look forward to, it's going out to eat. You get to spend time with family and friends in a relaxed environment eating food you may not typically make at home, all the while someone else is preparing, cooking, serving, cleaning up, and catering to your meal. Restaurants are one of the most common places college students work to make a little extra money, yet many young people are still clueless on common etiquette when going out to eat and the proper way to tip. Most servers really enjoy what they do and love interacting with the customers, and the job becomes more than just hoping for a 15-20% tip, but to keep your server from having a mini-freakout, try and avoid the following questions when going out to eat.

1. What food do you have?

Well...there is a multiple page menu in front of you containing literally all of our food options. If you have questions or need help understanding the menu, that’s cool! Just actually look at the menu first.

2. Can you clean this table?

Absolutely! But you know what would be better? If you didn’t sit at the only unclean table in the entire restaurant.

3. Is anything good here?

This question is more awkward than anything. I personally eat at the restaurant I work at way too often, but even if I didn’t, I’m not going to tell a customer that nothing is good.

4. Can you charge my phone?

Your poor planning does not constitute me having to charge your phone. But yeah I’ll find you an outlet…

5. Can you turn off/down/up the music?

No. I have no control over the music, even if I wanted to (and trust me, I want to).

6. Can you turn up the heat?

No. I have no control over the heat, even if I wanted to (and trust me, I want to).

7. Do you ever have weekends free?

Not really, not on holidays either. After all, when are most people going out to eat?

8. How much should I tip?

Awkward! I make literally all my money through tips (like literally...my checks are $0.00), but talking about the tip is the easiest way to make your server uncomfortable. Whether you agree with the custom or not, 18-20% is the safest bet when tipping your server, especially if she went above and beyond.

9. Wow busy day! How much money do you think you’ll make?

The amount of money I make changes day to day. Just like the tipping question, it’s awkward and too personal to bring up.

10. Can I sit over there? I don’t like this booth.

Please, please, please be a little accommodating to the restaurant. They have to sit certain sections in a certain order, and unless there’s an actual issue, being *picky* can really mess up the entire rotation.

And the #1 question to never ask your server...

11. What’s your real job?

Wow, this one's a doozy. Whether someone is serving just for some extra cash, for their second job, to help pay for school (like me!), or it’s their main profession, it’s a REAL job, and it’s a hard job that requires multitasking, patience, strong customer service, and quick thinking. It’s an interesting job with ups and downs, but in the end, serving is a lot of fun. Just remember to tip your server.