BAD BEHAVIOUR IN A RESTAURANT, WHAT TO DO???

Have you ever been in a restaurant enjoying a beautiful meal with great friends when you all of a sudden hear curse words that would make your hair curl?

As recently as a few weeks ago, I was enjoying a lovely evening out on a Saturday night with my husband and friends when we were interrupted by an argument between two other guests.  The argument quickly turned into something major and that was when we took notice.  The swearing and name calling that started was shocking because it was quiet and then all of a sudden... The body language changed and she started moving into his personal space and using non-delicate hand gestures!  Oh, did I mention anger, ahh there was plenty of it. 

Why am I choosing to write about this, well... After listening and watching our ever growing entertainment portion for the evening, I realized that I was feeling what do I do?  Then thinking that maybe there have been others in similar personal or professional situations who have experience a similar experience.  What have you done about it?   

I am going to take you back now to the story... Again, the lovely meal and conversation.  Well, we could no longer enjoy our meal or our conversation because of this so called "argument".  We, as in my table tried to carry on, but I know I felt trapped and was not about to get caught in the middle to ask them to take it outside.  I have never seen so much anger between strangers in my life.  So, after about 5 minutes, which is a long time in real time, they took it outside, well he left first.  Then, in a very awkward, rushed manner the woman sort of peeked over and said oh, sorry I am not usually like this in a restaurant and left.

In my opinion, as guests in this restaurant as well, we should have been taken care of by the maitre'd/owner.  This person did nothing to stop or intervene the argument.  He actually kept coming around and so he was not hiding, perhaps enjoying it - not sure.  When there is chaos going on, it is sometimes hard to know what to do, especially when we are feeling uncomfortable.  By personally not ever having experienced a situation like this before, I sat there hoping it would be over soon!  Big change for me next time, I will intervene via the restaurant in this case.  As I was sitting there, I was feeling that action should be taken, but I was frozen by the circumstances - that this was a bit surreal. 

What has come out this experience for me is another reminder to use my voice, even when awkward and in this case it would of been to approach the restaurant.  Ask them to have the patrons take it outside if you will.  Believe me, in no way did we suffer, but it is just another reminder how the service industry does not always provide service in all the right areas!  If this has sparked an interest in you wanting help, please visit my website for more information on my personal services section or to book a consultation.