Are you ready to order?

Why is this such a difficult question for some people to answer? I think it’s a pretty clear and easy to understand question, and you reply should go one of two ways, yes or no. Either way, the answer is okay.

Even after all these years….I’m still amazed at how people can misinterpret such a simple question….or don’t seem to be able to interpret it at all, and give you a blank stare…or stare at the menu and don’t even acknowledge at all. To not acknowledge someone when they are speaking to you, is either rude or ignorant and shows a general lack of social skills. I’m sure that many people, if they asked someone a question, and that someone totally ignored them for a new minutes might be inclined today, “Hey! I’m talking to you!” but of course as servers, we cannot say that. That would be considered rude by the very one who initiated the rude behavior in the first place. Even tough you are the customer and I am the server, the rules of common courtesy still apply, or did your parents not teach you that?

Besides yes or no, another acceptable answer would be, “I haven’t even looked at the menu yet.” Okay, cool, at least we all know where we’re at, and you can tell them, “That’s okay, take your time, and I’ll be back in a few minutes.” Now we’re all on the same page. We won’t hover over you, (lest you fell we are rushing you). And, we can get a lot one in those couple of minutes.

Another acceptable reply would be, “Let me ask you a question.” Okay, at least we are making forward progress. Many times people have it narrowed down to a couple of different entrees, and upon hearing your answer to their query, will make a quick decision.

But please don’t expect us to stand there, for minutes on end, while you stare at the menu. Everyone else at your table has already ordered….we’re all waiting…..your dining companions are probably used to this….some even look embarrassed at times….some try to lighten the mood by making jokes about it. But really, your inability to make a simple decision probably a lifelong problem……or maybe you are just having trouble with the big words.