Save Your Sob Stories And Just Give Good Service.

This is a story submitted by Dianne who lives in Missouri.

This past weekend, my two grandchildren and I set off to have dinner at one of my favorite restaurants. This is a casual dining spot that I have frequented, at least bi-weekly, for the past 3 or so years. I keep going back because I love the food, like the atmosphere and the service has always been accommodating. Unfortunately, all that changed for me during my last visit.

As the waiter approached, he seemed flustered and a bit “out of it”. Being the caring, motherly-type that I am, I asked him if he was okay. This questioned opened the floodgates to an hour long sob story that didn’t end until I paid for my meal, grabbed the grandkids, and got the hell out of there.

Our waiter went on and on (an on!) about how things were so slow at work and he had rent coming up that he couldn’t pay because he wasn’t making enough money at work. I could tell what he was doing and it bothered me to no end. This server, one I’d never seen before, was playing some type of poor-pitiful-me angle. I immediately caught on too his game when I say him carrying on the same sob story with another table…….a table that was only 10 or so feet away from me!

I absolutely never want this server to wait on me again. I didn’t feel pity for him.  I didn’t feel guilted into leaving a large tip (I’m a good tipper, though). Heck, I didn’t even get good service from this guy. If he shows up to greet me the next time I’m in that restaurant, I’ll politely ask to speak to a manager and see if I can’t get a different waiter or waitress.

So, servers, save your sob stories. The best way to get a good tip, at least from someone like me, is to be friendly, helpful and provide an all-around awesome dining experience. Your efforts won’t go unnoticed and you WILL be rewarded (with money!!).