I certainly appreciate it when someone compliments me on a job well done. Warm fuzzies abound in my heart when someone recognizes the fact I am capable of keeping their iced tea full and takes the time to say “Good job!”
As long as they don’t forget the tip, of course.
And as long as they don’t say it in that particular tone of voice. You know the one. It indicates that, for whatever reason, they are truly surprised I know what I am doing (I still haven’t figured out what it is about me that fails to instill confidence in people).
Even worse is when they seem surprised AND sincere.
I’m not saying sincerity is unappreciated (very important when it comes to things like wedding vows). I’m saying that in certain situations sincerity makes me want to punch people in the face, especially that guy (its always guys for some reason) who looks you earnestly in the eye and really believes he is giving you the best compliment of your life.
“You are SUCH a good waitress. You did a great job.”
Spare me.
Do they really think I aspire to be the best waitress in the world? Get a medal or gold star? I already know the assumptions most people make about servers. Lazy, uneducated, self-centered, and basically waiting tables because they can’t get any other type of job (which is true but because of criminal records, not competence or inclination).
I’ve discovered people expect servers to be incompentent and my ability to refill thier soda astounds them. Or counfounds them.
They must be confused because every guest who ever gave me such a compliment leaves 10% . I suppose since I’m so friggin amazing everyone else must tip me 30%, thus premitting my friends the Verbal Tippers to leave 10% with a clear consience.
Please don’t be offended when people compliment you on being a good server. How we appreciate good servers when we go out!! I think being a good server is perhaps the most difficult job there is and it takes organization, intelligence and class to be a good one. Class because when you want to punch someone or pour an entire pitcher of tea on their head you refrain from doing so!
We frequent a certain restaurant and always ask for the same server because she is so pleasant, efficient and happy to see us. We always leave at least a 20% tip.
People don’t take server positions because it’s all theyre capable of doing–most of them are putting themselves through school, helping a husband provide for a family and the baby-sitting situation works out well, and just because they enjoy being around people. I personally think we should have a
National Server Day just as we have National Secretary Day and National Boss Day!
Gram, I am only offended when they say it as though being a good server is the highest aspiration I could hope for. I am all for a national server’s day. Do you think they would let us all take off of work?
You are SUCH a good blogger.