One Day at a Time I post things I like. I hope you like them too.

Tonight at work, I had two mind-bending things happen:

1. I had a father come in with his baby daughter (less than a year old, preverbal, very small, should not be eating anything other than baby food). He ordered chicken and broccoli for her, and asked for crayons for her to play with. I expressed concern about choking hazards for all three of those items, and he waved me off unconcerned. Aiee. I then returned with a kids’ cup of water for her and found him holding a full pint glass of ice water to her tiny face and trying to get her to take a sip, like that wouldn’t end in disaster.
2. I had a table of three nice but not intellectually gifted women, and one of them either mumbled her order and I didn’t catch what she said or lied about her order coming down wrong. I fixed it and apologized, and took her meal off the tab. When they got the check, they were so confused by the free meal that they required manager intervention and a gift certificate for next time for their mental anguish.

I do not understand.

What are some methods you have for getting customers to get the hell out of your section at the end of your shift?

For the first time in a year, I have both enough time AND enough money to go get my hair cut.

Today at work, I got a tickle in my throat right as I went to drop the check at a table.

Reality: I was clearing my throat and my eyes were watering from the throat tickles.

Their perception: I was upset and crying.

Their response: 50% tip!