Have you ever gone out to eat with your friends and felt embarrassed by the way they act? I have, and let me tell you, it is not a wonderful feeling. Going out to eat is supposed to be fun. But for many people, including me, that fun can be displaced with an uncomfortable feeling of realizing that your friends do not possess manners!
The server approached us with a smile and introduced herself, but some people responded with blank stares. When someone asks how you are, you usually reply with “good,” even if you’re not. You show your server basic respect by responding instead of ignoring them. I still wonder how this behavior has become so normalized. It made me realize that many people my age were never really taught how to treat others, especially in situations like these. Manners have a purpose beyond just being polite. They are about recognizing that the person across from you is—get this—human!
And then, here comes tax and tipping. Just because your meal is twelve dollars does not mean to only bring twelve dollars with you. Some people think that tips aren’t needed, and if you think that, I am here to tell you that they are. Servers depend on tips, and choosing not to leave one is not just saving money; it is ignoring someone’s effort.
Experiences like these feel like culture shocks. Manners are so important because they are something that should be taught at a young age. If no one ever tells you that snapping at a waiter is wrong or that saying thank you matters, then you might grow up thinking it is fine. But at some point, it becomes your responsibility to learn instead.
If you feel like you are a person who lacks basic manners, save your friends and say you’re busy the next time you get invited to dinner!