Before I came to do whatever it is I do now, I worked in restaurants. I started when I was about 11 at an Italian restaurant owned by family friends. When I was 19, I spent one summer at a “more than casual not quite fancy” restaurant across from the Valley Forge Music Fair.
I remember it so vividly. It was a small booth for two at the far side of the middle dining room. There were windows on both sides of the table and it was a sunny Saturday. The couple, probably in their early 30’s, was seated shortly after noon. I was one of the few servers still on. I often worked the busy hours– not having to set up or clean up.
Anyway, I had taken their order when the husband asked me, “How many kids do you have?” He just asked. Even then I did what I do now and responded in a manner that made clear that his assumptions were ignorant and presumptions inaccurate. I can still see the horrified and apologetic look on his wife’s face. She did nothing in the moment. However, I am pretty sure there was a ‘talking to’ once I left the table. I also remember the tip was generous.
Overcompensating.
Funny the things that stay with you.