What not to do at restaurants: A Server's Point of View

Don't piss your server off. They are responsible for what you're about to eat.

I haven't been a server for very long so I'm sure more experienced servers would have plenty more things to add to this post. However, with the little time I've been a sever here's a quick list of how not to disrupt the harmony between you (the guest) and your beloved (hard working!) server.

*Don't come to eat in public and look like you're pet/friend/lover/parent just died - no one wants to look at your sour, miserable face...you've come out in public to have a good time, if you want to sit and sulk please don't drag me down with you. (I deal with this one way too much.)
*If you go to a busy restaurant (like the one I work at) don't ask to sit somewhere "quiet" - if you want quiet, stay home.
*When your server greets you or is talking to you - look at them. To not acknowledge that we're there is just plain rude.
*If you're going to send your food back because there is something wrong with it, make sure it is so wrong that you really just can't bare it. Sending a "Double-Decker" burger back because there are 3 pieces of bun (it's a DOUBLE DECKER) is not a valid reason to have your food remade. Do not waste food if it is not dire.
*If you were not taught any manners, then fake them. I'm sure you've seen them somewhere along the line. Use "please & thank you". I don't care if we're getting paid to do this.
*In North America, the serving wage is peanuts because the government relies on the public to make up the rest - so please tip...decently.
*Don't live up to the racial stereotypes - it's sad but true. The same races don't tip or tip very poorly. Get with the times folks or please, spare us and stay home.
*Remember that servers are people - we are not your b*tch.
AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST...
*Have some PATIENCE, understand that we are doing A LOT at once and for more than just you. It is understandable if your server is taking an absurd amount of time to get frustrated but more often than not we are going as fast as we can - so CHILL OUT.


I hope this assists you in having a wonderful time dining out - wherever you're dining. We are not the enemy. 
Happy Eating...!