Sometimes, you will be called last. Sometimes, your check will take too long. Sometimes, your food will come out after everyone else's. These are not excuses to be rude; just realize that, in general, most people are putting in all that they can to do their jobs as well as possible, and the more you get sassy, the less easily they can perform those tasks. Grab some water, take a sip and calm the fuck down. And on that note...
Photo: Robert Gourley / Flickr
Okay, yes, you may have to attend an office party that has people you hate or your partner's awkward dinner with high school buddies, but most of the time, you have a choice in whom you spend time with. Choose wisely.
Photo: ILoveFreeConcerts
Sometimes, you will be called last. Sometimes, your check will take too long. Sometimes, your food will come out after everyone else's. These are not excuses to be rude; just realize that, in general, most people are putting in all that they can to do their jobs as well as possible, and the more you get sassy, the less easily they can perform those tasks. Grab some water, take a sip and calm the fuck down. And on that note...
Photo: Robert Gourley / Flickr
...Really, don't do this. Because as I said, patience is necessary. For example, this guy who decided to set fire to a Christmas tree at Denny's after his check took too long. Unless that tree was menacingly picking off customers, I'm pretty sure this will never be a rational response to anything.
Photo: USFS Region 5 / Flickr
I know this sounds ridiculous because, yes, most of us want to snag lots of lovely presents for our favorite folks, our neighbors, our family members, hosts, acquaintances, coworkers, hairdressers, strangers in the street, stray dogs...
But we can't. The fact of the matter is that our economy still sucks, which means millions of people are trying to working overtime right now in order to afford all the things in the world for their loved ones. This means more money, sure, but less time to go pick out those presents. This leads to stress over finding "the perfect gift" for every single person on the list, which leads to moodiness, which winds up meaning that the people you love will have to contend with your shitty attitude rather than feel stoked about whatever present you think was worth freaking out over.
Photo: Steven Depolo / Flickr
Just don't do it. No, I do not care how much "preferred access" you think you need. It will only end in tears (obviously).
Photo: KnowYourMeme
Well, you should really do this all the time, but it's particularly important around the holiday season. But people can be so rude, dumping sugar all over tables and spilling on purpose and leaving smiley faces on checks instead of tips... it's really not very nice. If you can't afford a tip for the person bringing you your food (provided he or she gave decent service), then don't go out to eat.
Photo: Renato Ganoza / Flickr
Go ahead, you deserve a treat. Go to a swanky bar, order the fluffliest, tastiest cocktail on the menu and enjoy yourself for a few warm moments. Just don't overdo it; if you think people hate obnoxious drunkenness during most of the year, this season is certainly the least likely to spawn forgiveness.
Photo: Horia Varlan / Flickr
This time of the year sucks for everybody, not just you. If you have a significant other, be extra sweet to one another. If you don't, just be extra sweet to the people you care about. It will decrease stressful tension, I promise.
Photo: Cloud10 / Flickr
This goes for everybody you encounter. Being polite and offering simple gratitude has somehow managed to go out the window in recent years, and that makes me super bummed out. It's so important to remind others that you are grateful for them, and to remind yourself that it would be difficult to go through life without other people's assistance. Whether it's a cab driver or your bank teller or a friend who made you dinner just to be helpful, say "thank you."
Photo: Alice Popkom / Flickr
