I’ve never worked as a server. But for as long as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated by those who do.

There’s something raw and revealing about life on the other side of the table — not just balancing plates and orders, but navigating a constant stream of human emotion. You meet everyone when you’re a server. The kind, the cranky, the confused, the entitled. Some smile and say thank you. Others act like eye contact is a personal inconvenience.

It’s easy to take that job for granted. But once you’ve really watched what a server does — how they juggle pressure, manage chaos, and still try to offer warmth — you realize it’s not just a job. It’s a crash course in human nature, resilience, and grace under fire.

Let’s pull back the curtain. Here are the types of diners servers deal with every day — and what they wish we all knew.

1. The Table Campers: Staying Long After the Meal Has Ended
You’ve probably seen them. Maybe you’ve even been one without realizing it.

They finish their meals, stack their napkins, then… stay. For hours. Talking, laughing, scrolling on their phones, as if the restaurant has turned into their personal living room.

This might seem harmless, especially if you’re enjoying good company. But for servers, especially during a busy shift, it’s a nightmare. Every table is part of their income. When one is tied up for too long, it costs them — literally.

So next time you find yourself lingering, ask: “Is this place still busy? Is my server waiting for this table to turn over?” Sometimes the kindest thing you can do is enjoy your meal, leave a generous tip, and free up the space.

2. The Indecisive Orderers: Menu Anxiety in Action
It starts with, “I’ll have the… no, wait. What do you recommend?”