I’ve learned a lot the last few years while working in a bar. One of the biggest lessons is how little some people care about others’ possessions. And that BAFFLES me.
I have watched people drop burning cigarettes on a carpeted floor and squish it out with the toe, instead of putting it out in the ash tray, leaving a burn mark. I’ve also watched people who chew, spit their dip on the same floor. I have seen people grab a handful of napkins, wipe off a table and then throw the napkin on the floor. A pet peeve of mine is people who put their gum in the ash tray without wrapping it in paper first.
Cleaning the bathrooms is a whole new adventure of, “Do you do this at home!?!” I won’t EVEN go into that here in case you happen to be eating while you read this.
One evening, I was in the process of clearing tables, when a man sat down at one I hadn’t gotten to yet, and while arguing with his wife, violently brushed all the half-full glasses of drinks off the table and onto the floor. And last Christmas, I saw a guy just start pulling down the stockings we had decorating the edge of the stage and throwing them on the floor. Laughing the entire time. Like we’d hung them there just for the amusement of his destruction.
As I wiped down tables yesterday, I was chatting with a woman who waitresses at a local restaurant. We were discussing how you can easily pick out the people who have at some point worked in customer service (or who know people who have)*. They’re the ones who will make their tables neater before they leave. They’re the better tippers. They’re the ones who will actually come and tell you when there is something wrong — well ahead of it becoming a huge issue.
Now, please don’t get me wrong. I know that these people I’ve mentioned here make up maybe 10% of any customer base. It’s unfortunate that 10% can ruin the night for others. And to that 10% I just want to stand up and go, “REALLY!??! Do you act like this at home!?”
