This summer, I decided to trade in my hostess job for one of a waitress. I was always told that the job was a piece of cake and for a while I believed them. When I started though, I realized that being a waitress was much different than I was expecting. Deciding which plates to use with each side dish and main dish, learning to carry a loaded tray, and trying not to drop drinks all over your customers were all problems I never thought I'd encounter or at least be a struggle for me. I never truly appreciated the work servers do until I became one myself. It takes a certain person, versatile in people skills, strength, focus, and memory to excel as a server and I commend each one of them for being able to do the job effortlessly.
Being a waitress for a little while now, I have learned that there are a lot of weird people in the world. You will aways have your picky eaters, indecisive guests, and the people that believe they are the only table that matters in the resturaunt. Somehow though, we get through these guests and hope the next table is a little better. We have all dealt with our fair share of interesting guest interactions and I'm sure these are no exception.
1. When a six top tells you they want separate checks after you already dropped it on their table.
2. When a customer says that the food was awful and wants another and you don't know whether you should laugh or not.
3. Having dressing and condiments all over your hands.
4. Walking a solid 20,000 steps a day.
5. When a table takes forever to order and it throws off your timing.
6. You have to pick up food in three minutes but a table just sat down and you can't figure out whether you should wait to take their drink order or do it now.
7. When a hostess seats your table before it's set.
8. Makes two iced teas. Wait, where were they going again?
9. "Oh. that looks good! Have you had it?"
Me: "Yep! One of my favorites on the menu." Yep, I've never had that before.
10. When you clear a customer's plate and your fingers go in half eaten ketchup by accident.
11. When you need a tray but there isn't one in sight.
12. When customers talk too fast that you miss half of what they're saying.
13. When customers take your last pen and you can't find another.
14. When a customer wants to tell you their life story but you gotta pick up food and don't know how to exit the conversation without being rude.
15. When you hear you have a five top but realize there are four kids under the age of eight.
16. When a customer tells you that that's not what they ordered even though you pointed it to them on the menu and they agreed that was what they wanted.
17. When you get a table five minutes before your shift is supposed to be over and having to stay an extra hour and a half.
