Can I Take Your Order?

• Unless you have worked in the food industry, it is extremely difficult to understand exactly what a waitress has to endure on a daily basis. The general public has a twisted view on how a waitress should be treated... and tipped. Here is a list of common "waitress myths."

• We can not read minds: Well, maybe some do possess that power, but most don't, so if you want something, please ask for it.
• We do not like being ignored: I don't ignore you when you ask me a question about the menu, a simple response about how the food came out would make my job a lot easier.
• We did not cook your food: Don't stiff me on a tip just because you did not like your steak. I DID NOT COOK IT. Everything is not going to taste exactly like your mom's recipe.
• We are not your personal slave/robots: Our job includes serving you dinner. I can't make miracles so do not ask me to produce a piece of prime rib after we ran out of it. Do not ask me to dim the lights. Do not ask me to change the television channel. Do not ask me to turn the air conditioning on/off. Dress in layers!
• We serve more than one table at a time: Yes, the reason that I am not up your butt the minute you put down your fork is because, believe it or not, other people come out to eat too.
• We are not rich: Again, some are pretty wealthy, but most work to make a living and pay bills. Do not leave without paying your bill because the waitress is required to pay for the dinner that you stole. Do not order food that you can't afford. Do not leave a tip under 20 percent.
• We make mistakes: Have you ever tripped and dropped something? Have you ever forgot something? Don't penalize servers for accidents, especially if the issue can be easily resolved.
• We do not think that your jokes are funny: Some jokes are funny, but most are not. Sometimes a fake laugh can sound pretty convincing. Can you say butt kisser?