06 Nov 2009, Posted by steph in news, really?!, this american life, 0 Comments

although, admittedly, i’ve never been very good with manners and creeds…

have you seen the nytimes columnist list of “100 things restaurant staffers should never do”? here’s part 1.

most of these are about being mindful, something i’ve thought a lot about since i read lauren winner’s “mudhouse sabbath” (basically, that as worshippers in God’s world, being “members of one another,” we are called to being mindful of each other and of everything that we experience – all come from and are meant to return to God). it’s interesting stuff, mostly for fine dining places… i like going out but i mostly try one course or take out a few things.

the ones that’ve stuck with me lately is “40. Never say, “Good choice,” implying that other choices are bad.” and “42. Do not compliment a guest’s attire or hairdo or makeup. You are insulting someone else.” and the resounding agreement that the commenters have.

i understand these guidelines are for a specific context – how to do a specific job well.

i just feel like… this is the kind of fear i had when i was in middle school.
maybe it is about being professional, but come on. are we really that self-centered that praise for another eats at us from a stranger?!

/ / /

all that to say… dj chuang looks like a very good listener, but that’s not the point here is it.