[leephillips]

I am an American, and this false friendliness on the part waiters grates on me and everyone I know. The worst is when they not only smile but introduce themselves, as if we’re meeting at a party or something. I don’t blame them; management requires it. Note that at high quality restaurants, this is uncommon. The waiters there are part of a serious enterprise and take it seriously. But at Olive Garden, be prepared for the servers to practically climb in your lap and show you their photo albums.

[falsaberN1]

That doesn't sound good either. I don't know, if I'm going to eat somewhere at a huge markup I just don't want that annoyed "Ugh, ANOTHER one?" face. I don't chat and much less flirt, I just make an order. It's not uncommon to have the waiter vent at you (unprompted) because they got a degree and only managed to find work as waiters. It's just a lot of negativity for the high prices and not worth it anymore for me.

[leephillips]

What doesn’t sound good? Waiters at good restaurants are not unpleasant. They have a job to do and they know how to do it. They are polite, efficient, and knowledgeable about the menu.

[falsaberN1]

The "climb in your lap and show you their photo albums" part. I wouldn't want that either.

I just want some food without feeling guilty because everyone looks like they are doing me a favor for choosing to eat there, you know?

[leephillips]

I certainly do. Maybe things would be better if everyone had to spend at least a summer in a job like this.

[AndrewOMartin]

"... I've got respect for that. This is a horrible train and you're tearing tickets, of course you're in an awful mood. [A cheesy grin is] the sign of either a liar or a moron."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9PSg0sQyfs