ChatterBank27 mins ago
Correct Dining Etiquette?
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Never mind if its in the book of Etiquette or not. Always be polite thank the server for whatever they do for you, it makes them feel better - and after all they are doing you a service - it goes without saying. Obviously don't overdo it, but acknowledge them before they leave serving/clearing etc.
If there is one thing that P****s me off is peoples ignorance in such places, treating anyone that "serves" them subservantly!!
Besides, you'll feel better too!
n00dles xx
Waiting tables can be a cr*p job, especially when they have to serve pompous twits who treat them like dirt on their shoes.
Jasper Carrott does this wonderful routine where he talks about a group of people taking the mick out of a chinese waiter. "Is it any wonder,then," he concludes, "that he goes into the kitchen and pees into the soup?"
I don't know how many waiters do do this, but it's as good a reason as any for treating them with a little respect.
Etiquette erupted with industry, through the rise of the nouveau riche from the middle and lower classes. They were embarrassed at not knowing how to behave in the best of society, and so any number of books were written to tell them what to do. Much of it was pure invention. (In fact, the upper classes acted like pigs at the trough - they'd nothing to prove!) In those days it was the done thing to totally ignore the presence of a server unless it was instruct them of what you wanted - they were invisible, not part of the company, and 'thanks' didn't come into it.
In time, this changed gradually to the point where a gentleman might thank the server if they'd done a really good job, but a lady would certainly remain aloof. Dealing with a server was a man's job!
Today, we recognise the difference between 'service' and 'servitude', and hope that no-one has to suffer the latter. So nowadays, yes, thank the waiter or waitress if they've provided a good or proper service, (Especially in Australia, where everybody's equal, mate!)