Want Water? Ask for It!
From now on, instead of focusing on one topic, I’m going to share everyday examples of behavior and situations. I’d like this to be an interactive column where you can ask questions about situations you are uncertain of, or for advice regarding behaviors you have encountered. While dining recently, I overheard the next table talking about how disappointed they were that their server did
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not bring iced water after they were seated. He took the couple’s drink order and promptly delivered it. But the server neither presented iced water nor asked if it was desired. The customer had to ask for it. Unless we are referring to a formal dining situation where the level of service dictates that water be presented, there is no clear-cut rule for this situation. For casual dining, there are two differing opinions. The
first assumes that water service will be automatically presented. The second opinion cites waste and the cost associated with automatically assuming the customer wants water as the reason for not providing it unless requested. It seems that most restaurants in our area are happy to provide iced water, but there is inconsistency in the practice. So criticizing your server may be unfair if it is the management’s policy to wait until you ask for it. Take note of this as you dine out, and let me know what you encounter. The next example is rather indelicate, so excuse me in advance. At a red light, the female next to me was picking her nose. Not a subtle rubbing of the nose because you think something might be there. No, this was a digit inserted in the orifice rotating vigorously. The reason this is an offense is because it was done in public in plain view of others. Please remember that your car is not an extension of your private space just because you are alone in an enclosed area. Others can see you very clearly and are paying attention to what you are doing. My advice is always to remember to never do or say anything in public that you wouldn’t want seen on television or over the Internet! Eating at your desk while working is usually acceptable if you have a private space free of observation from customers. Unfortunately, that was not the case today. I was in a public environment and the customer
service agent was eating at her desk. Her workplace had no privacy walls and every move she made was public. Watching her crouch over her lunch made me feel embarrassed for both of us. I don’t know if this was poor judgment on her part, or if her employer did not either provide for a relief
Vol. 6 • No. 2