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Stephanie Davis

Stephanie started an illegal newspaper at her middle school called The Underground—which was printed on copy paper stapled together—thus beginning her foray into the world of publishing. She went on to be editor of her high school newspaper, worked at The Red and Black (UGA's esteemed newspaper)...

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I'm a wussy wuss.

I’m one of those people who doesn’t yell at waiters. Not just any waiters, but the ones that are rude, incompetent or indifferent. I never send food back. Never get confrontational with a snooty hostess. I just quietly sit there like a sheep waiting to follow the herd into the next corral. I never “need to speak to the manager.” I never need a “comped” anything. 

My sister on the other hand is a restaurant rockstar. She complains, sends things back and always gets what she wants from stuttering, vulnerable waiters who seem to bow down to her every whim. I’ve seen her get gift certificates for her next visit that are worth more than what we paid for the whole meal. She’s sent back $16 glasses of wine that “tasted funny” and had it removed from her bill. What? How does she pull this off?

 I bring this up because she is trying to coach being into being more of a hardass when I frequently eat out...and it’s not “taking.” Here’s my internal thought process when a crass server situation arises:

“Wow. That waitress was really rude. She just walked off and didn’t bother to catch the end of my order. I should say something....”

 “Nah. Don’t rock the boat, Steph. You don’t want anyone spitting in your food.”

 “Here she comes. Sugarcoat her with kindness.”

 “Ok. That didn’t work. She’s still being a righteous bitch.”

“Maybe she’s just having a hard day. Give her a big smile when she comes back.”

“That didn’t work either. I’ll just tip her poorly. That’ll show her!”

And then I never do. I tip at least 15%. I rationalize it by saying I was once a waitress, and I feel for her. Well, I’ll keep you posted on how my “restaurant rockstar” training goes. I’m hoping to break the cycle. But if you have been there...on either side “Wussy Wuss or Restaurant Rockstar” let me know. What are some of the worst snotty restaurant experiences you’ve had?