u/p0tbarbie

Hi, all! I recently started as a server around 6 weeks ago to pay for my doctoral program. I had never served or worked in food service prior to now (besides working at a drive-through ice cream shop in HS, lol). I honestly feel like I’ve been doing really well (especially for never serving before) and have already had several tables compliment my service to my managers, and have even picked up a couple regulars that ask for me every time they come in! 😊

That being said, a few days ago I received a comment from a guest that stuck with me and made me second guess myself. As I was dropping the check off at their table, the guest asked me how long I’d been serving. I told him I was on my fifth week, and he replied with: “Yeah, I had a hutch you were new. I’m a restaurant manager, and you sound incredibly nervous and like you’re going off of a script whenever you speak.”

I was slightly taken aback, but remained polite and just smiled… I think he could tell I was a little bit confused, because he quickly added “Oh, it’s not a bad thing! I can just tell you haven’t been doing this for a long time.” I really don’t think he meant this in a rude way, but now I’ve been hyper analyzing every single thing I say to my tables, and has made me feel really awkward and almost embarrassed when I speak.

I was wondering if anyone could give me insight/advice on how to tell if I actually sound too scripted, or how to sound more spontaneous? Thanks in advance!!

During our drive home from work around 10 minutes ago my bf and I kept seeing super bright lights in the sky that weren’t moving & would just randomly disappear. Did anyone else see this, & does anyone know what they are?