These etiquette faux pas are decidedly worse than putting your elbows on the table.
Growing up, going out to eat was a treat reserved for special occasions.
We werent to make a mess, and we were trusted to converse with our server.
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There would be no whispering Sprite to our parents when we were asked what we wanted to drink.
I never felt more sophisticated than while requesting the kids Alfredo at my annual Macaroni Grillebirthday dinner.
I enjoyed the job so much that I extended my employment through college while home for summer breaks.
The only negative of the job?
Here, weve rounded up 14 discourteous things people often do when dining out.
In most cases, you shouldtip at least 20%of the total cost of your meal.
Sure, it was 18% of their bill, but it wasnt indicative of the service they received.
Ignoring A Server
Letting Their Kids Run Amok
Your server is not a babysitter.
Dont treat them as such.
Flagging Down A Server By Snapping Or Clapping
Talk about condescending.
Hanging Around Long After Their Bill is Paid
This transgression is rude on two fronts.
First, servers are assigned just one section of tables that they take care of throughout their shift.
If you monopolize even one table, youre causing your server to miss out on countless tips.
If youre dining alone and need a companion, consider a book.
Even if the water pitcher is sittingrightthere.
The same goes for ordering from another server.
Being Too Loud
Getting Too Familiar With A Server
The occasionaldad jokeis fine.
(Yes, I can tell you hated your meal by how exceptionally licked-clean your plate is.)
