THE "HELPERS" - "We were just trying to help".

I pretty much despise the term “we’re just trying to help” in regards to waiting tables or working in a restaurant. Most of the time when you hear that phrase it’s someone who’s making things worse. Of course this is subjective considering it’s not bad for the person that is “helping”. Let me clarify here, when a customer is “helping” it is truly only benefiting them in some way and not you or the restaurant.

True Story:

It was a busy Friday night, the restaurant was full and a family of 5 walks in. There is one table open, a two top and no chairs. I pass by them and say “I’ll be right with you”. They don’t listen to me and immediately size up the room, looking around. The father of the family stops me and says that he has it all worked out, that empty table can be moved across the restaurant and squeeze into a space the table barely fits in. Before I have a chance to say anything he shoves the condiments into my arms and says “here”. He picks up the table and carries it 10 feet across the restaurant over other peoples heads and tables as they are eating. Slams the table down and says “there, see that should work”. No.. this wasn’t irritating at all. I set down the condiments and walked away with an annoyed expression on my face as they crowded around the teeny table. I ignored them for a bit not only to give myself time to calm down but also to “tell” them that was lame. The father kept looking at me with the desperate “we’re ready” look. I finally made my way over to their table and the mother said “sorry, we were just trying to help”. I just gave a bullshit smile, took the order and walked away.

This is what I really wanted to say: You “helping” me wasn’t helping me at all, in fact it was rude and annoying. I’m happy that you are crammed in this space that is not designed for 5 people. I hope your food takes a very long time coming out and you are made to wait longer than you expected. Next time maybe you will learn that when a server says they will be right with you.. they mean it and there are reasons why they said it.

The thing about it is.. if I wanted your help I’d ask for it. Sadly this type of behavior happens constantly and it’s not helpful.

Don’t be that guy!