Dinner is Served

I think you can tell a lot about a person when you go out to eat with them. The way they treat the waiter is key. As a young woman, I would write down the qualities I wanted my future husband to possess. As the list grew, one of the most important to me was that he was nice to the waiter. Why you ask? Well, have you ever been out to eat with someone who was rude to the waiter? First off, it's embarrassing. Also, I lose respect for the person. What, just because you are paying someone to bring your food gives you the right to be picky and rude? If someone is nice to the waiter even when the server makes a mistake or takes a long time to bring the food, I think it shows their true character (it also reduces the chance of getting your food spit on). This is one of the things that most attracted me to my husband Blake. He is always so friendly to the waiters. He usually asks what they recommend and will actually order it! At least Blake has one of the traits I was looking for....right! :)

Sometimes I find myself being critical or impatient with the "hired help" so the point I am trying to make is that it really doesn't take that much to be nice. While everyone seems to be in a rush this time of year, here are a few things I have tried to remember to keep the Christmas spirit:

• Be extra nice to the cashier
• Make some cookies and give most of them to the neighbors you haven't met yet (you can enjoy them too and this will also help in keeping the Christmas spirit)
• Let that car pull out in front of you
• Smile at the people you pass in the mall
• Be patient while waiting in long lines at the airport (it can be fun to start a conversation with the people you are waiting with)
• Hold the door open for the person behind you
• Don't give the man in the mall a dirty look even though he has tried to sell you a $110 hair straightener every time you walk by
• Sing along to your favorite Christmas tunes while you are stuck in traffic