1. You are ignored when saying hello.
Gotta love the customers who either completely ignores you or just rudely interrupts you with their drink order. "Really, I'm doing fine; thanks for asking."
2. A customer asks if a dish will be enough for them to eat.
I'm sorry, but I don't know how hungry you are. All I can say is that the last 10 people to order the Chicken Parm weren't hungry afterwards.
3. Someone takes too long to order.
We all know this customer, the one that says they're ready, but debate for five minutes over an entrée. Sometimes, you just wish they would tell you to come back because in those four minutes you stood there, three tables sat down, food came out, and a busboy went MIA.
4. Special orders or substitutions.
"I'd like the salmon special, but with a different sauce, no pasta, no mushrooms, but add grilled veggies."
The kitchen staff has been working all day and are still extremely busy. The last thing they want is to receive a special dish other than the one that they specially created.
5. Customers who don't make eye contact.
As much as I love staring at the growing bald spot on the top of your head, I can't hear your order with your face buried in the menu.
6. You get snapped at or flagged down.
I probably noticed that your credit card is ready or that you need a refill, and I promise, I will be over there in under two minutes. But shaking your glass at me is not going to make me walk any faster and, well, you're being rude.
7. You are blamed for food taking too long.
I know you're hungry, but you're giving me death eyes, and I'm running out of paths that avoid your table. Also, I'm not wearing a chefs coat because I am not the chef -- I'm the server. The very skilled chef in the back is cooking your dish to perfection, and it will be out soon. Unless I really did forget to send it in.
8. You receive a very low tip or none at all.
The person who, literally, just waited on you hand and foot, deserves more than the 98 cents that you so generously left.
9. You leave smelling like food.
There's no preventing it; you will leave smelling like food and your shirt will be stained with sauce, dressing, or whatever else you spilled during your shift.
10. A table comes in 10 minutes before closing.
Why? Just why? Leave. Now.
11. A table won't leave.
The campers: they stay there for hours, even if you're closed. I mean I don't get why you'd want to hangout in the restaurant, but hey be my guest, I'll just loudly vacuum right next to your table
12. Someone leaves you their number.
It is our job to be overly nice to you and laugh at all of your jokes. So, no, we're not flirting and we don't want your number. And, most likely, we're not texting you when our shift ends unless you look like, personally know, or are Zac Efron.
There are definitely a lot of struggles that a person goes through while being a server, and you come to the sad realization that some people just really suck. With that being said, it's not all that bad. You still get the usual customers who you like talking to,the ones who leave you great tips, and the nice, respectful people, who don't make you want to throw a wine glass.
