The Hidden Truths of Being a Server: What Every Diner Should Understand Before They Sit Down

It starts with, “I’ll have the… no, wait. What do you recommend?”

This seems innocent — even charming at first. But for a server trying to manage five tables and a million moving parts, it can become a time-consuming puzzle.

Some guests change their minds again and again, even after the food arrives. One friend of mine had a table send their food back five times. By the end, he didn’t know if he was serving dinner or playing some high-stakes game of culinary musical chairs.

It’s okay to ask questions. It’s okay to take your time. But when in doubt — trust your first instinct, and give your server one less surprise to juggle.

3. The Phantom Tippers: Generous in Words, Not in Wallet

This is one that hits hard.

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