This past summer I served in a restaurant for the first time. I settled for minimum wage jobs like most high school and college students because I always told myself I could never be a waitress. Servers have to be outgoing, smiley, and deal with a lot of unpleasant strangers while holding themselves together. I simply did not think I could handle the stress or the type of environment that comes with the position. I now have a unique appreciation for those who wait on myself while out to eat. It is literally someone's job to serve you; give you whatever you want...within reason, of course. Surprisingly, I quickly became acclimated to the restaurant business and now understand life on the other side of the table.

1. "I am going to be nice and thankful no matter how irritating this server is."

2. "I swear to never be that annoying person who finds it necessary to make 87 modifications to a menu item when ordering."

3. "People actually have to take time to roll this silverware. I wouldn't mind rolling some now - it's sort of meditative."

4. "Look at how many dishes and cups he/she can carry at once. Now that is talent."

5. "Our server has not been back to the table yet. Doesn't he/she know about the 2-minute check back rule after the food is dropped off?"

6. "My drink is empty. Where is my refill?"

7. "Maybe I should just take my cup back there myself. Using a soda gun is a lot more satisfying than you would think. I mean, I'm basically a bartender. "

8. "Let me help out by stacking the empty plates so they fit on top of one another perfectly. Pre-bussing never hurt anybody."

9. "I think I may have developed OCD."

10. "I will leave a good tip. It would be wrong not to."

11. "I always have so many one dollar bills. I might as well tip with my tips, right?"

12. "Wow, I could have done so much better."