Last night my fiance & I were at a restaurant and we were seated at a table on the corner near stairs and were sitting opposite a family table on the upper level to us so that we were at eye level with 4 young girls sitting on the floor playing clapping games and one of them was coughing. I could barely hear any of our conversation and the thought of having to eat a meal in such an uncomfortable location was giving me anxiety. My fiance said to just ignore it and relax, but I couldn't. I asked the waitress if we could move to another table which was more accommodating and she said yes. We moved and I was happy, but my fiance said that I was overreacting, was too outspoken, that we shouldn't have moved and I should have just put up with it.
What are peoples feelings on this? Does the table you sit at while dining out make a difference to you? Was I overreacting??
2006-08-23 11:57:54 · 19 answers · asked by gwibsy 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Most restaurants "control" the tables seated to keep the server from having too many customers all at once. BUT if you were being disturbed or you do not like the original location you can of course ask to be moved. Restaurants want and depend upon repeat business. If you don't say anything they cannot possibly know areas that need attention.
You did it exactly right. You asked the server, which in most restaurants allows her to keep the table even if you are moved out of her section.
And I would've asked to be moved as well. But do try to remember that when you are moved everything has to be moved with you so only exercise the option at the very beginning or when it is absolutely intolerable. Peace.
2006-08-23 12:07:08 · answer #1 · answered by -Tequila17 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You did the right thing. Why should you have to put up with such a disturbance when you are trying to enjoy a meal together? The only way you would have been overreacting would be if you started to yell at the waitress and make a scene. If you calmly asked to be moved and were accommodated, no problem.
2006-08-23 19:05:40 · answer #2 · answered by Ms. G. 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your prob isn't changing tables, which I would have done too.
Your prob is your fiance isn't very considerate of your feelings. That was yours and his night out..you were uncomfortable (and I don't blame you) but he's more worried about what other people think. I'd take my time with this guy. How he treats you NOW, is gonna be how he's gonna treat you forever. He should have been looking out for you. And I really think your question is about how hurt you are that he didn't support you, the change in seating is a side issue. Good luck.
2006-08-24 03:42:07 · answer #3 · answered by GoldnHart 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. You were not overreacting. If you pay good money for a meal, part of what you are paying for is the experience. I hate sitting next to kids. Sounds harsh, but if I wanted to eat in the middle of clapping games, whining babies, etc. I would take my dinner to the daycare. If you can't even hear yourself talk, it is time to move. It sounds like your boyfriend was being insensitive to Your needs, and was too worried about everyone else.
2006-08-23 19:04:19 · answer #4 · answered by honk2goose 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it's ok to change tables if you're really not comfortable with the first one. When you're eating at a restaurant you want to feel comfortable and enjoy the meal and have a nice conversation. Having someone making a lot of noise or coughing next to you just ruins the experience. I'd say it's a good reason to change tables. You didn't overreact at all, you just wanted to be able to enjoy your meal.
My surroundings definitely matter to me when I'm eating out. I don't want to sit next to smokers, be in a lot of noise or have kids constantly running around my table.
2006-08-24 03:31:28 · answer #5 · answered by undir 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No you were not over reacting. if your fiance and you can disagree on such a small thing though, you have a lot of talking to do before you marry. He should have been the one that asked to be moved knowing that you were uncomfortable.
2006-08-24 07:49:26 · answer #6 · answered by Classy Granny 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Definitely not! You are the one that pays for the restaurant so you should be comfortable. You are definitely NOT overreacting. I totally would have agreed with what you do. It's rude to have to put up with that! Where I sit and how I feel is very important for a comfortable atmosphere. Why, you guys can't even hear what you're talking about! So I agree with your decision and it wasn't rude at all.
2006-08-23 18:59:52 · answer #7 · answered by Crescent 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No not at all, I think you did the right thing, I would have done the same thing as you. You are out with your fiance and you're supposed to enjoy your night out with him, why let some kids ruin it for you. I think you're fiance just felt a little emberassed that's why he thought you were overreacting.
2006-08-23 19:05:22 · answer #8 · answered by Lily126 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think you did the right thing. What is wrong with your fiance that he has so little caring for your comfort? I would find me a new beau! Also, for what it costs to eat out in a nice restaurant these days, you certainly have the right to be comfortable.
2006-08-23 21:04:15 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Atmosphere is only second to service! If the waitress was kind enough to move you two, then you probably have the service part down. I certainly wouldn't like to sit at that first table!
2006-08-23 19:01:56 · answer #10 · answered by maegical 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋