2008 Woodie Awards
Chivalry lost in unfriendly area
Melissa Bjornson
Issue date: 4/30/07 Section: Opinions
The other night I went out to dinner with some friends, and like any usual customer or paying "guest," I assumed the hostess would greet us kindly.
Not only did she not greet us, but she behaved as though we were wrong for even walking through the front door. On my way out, after dinner and drinks, I asked the hostess if she knew what it meant to be a hostess. She looked baffled and said as a matter of fact, "yes." I asked her, "Are you sure?"
I gave her my definition of what a hostess' duties should be. Those duties were having kind behavior and to greet your customers. I then told her I didn't feel she fulfilled them and left.
I'm bittersweet about my reaction. I don't want to over analyze the situation, however, no matter who you are or what age, everyone should be treated kindly, especially when you're paying for their service.
I understand most people have stress in their life or have experiences that can lead them to display bitter attitudes. But I can't seem to agree or tolerate the lack of common courtesy toward others that has become a growing trend.
There are many days where I will be walking to class, working or running errands where people who pass by act as though I don't exist.
I try not to take it personally. After all, I may never know what is binding them to this kind of behavior.
I'm not trying to beg for attention or ask for regards from strangers, but a simple smile or "hello," would be nice.
There are too many people in this world who walk around as if their agenda is of the utmost importance.
Not only did she not greet us, but she behaved as though we were wrong for even walking through the front door. On my way out, after dinner and drinks, I asked the hostess if she knew what it meant to be a hostess. She looked baffled and said as a matter of fact, "yes." I asked her, "Are you sure?"
I gave her my definition of what a hostess' duties should be. Those duties were having kind behavior and to greet your customers. I then told her I didn't feel she fulfilled them and left.
I'm bittersweet about my reaction. I don't want to over analyze the situation, however, no matter who you are or what age, everyone should be treated kindly, especially when you're paying for their service.
I understand most people have stress in their life or have experiences that can lead them to display bitter attitudes. But I can't seem to agree or tolerate the lack of common courtesy toward others that has become a growing trend.
There are many days where I will be walking to class, working or running errands where people who pass by act as though I don't exist.
I try not to take it personally. After all, I may never know what is binding them to this kind of behavior.
I'm not trying to beg for attention or ask for regards from strangers, but a simple smile or "hello," would be nice.
There are too many people in this world who walk around as if their agenda is of the utmost importance.