I have been a server for the past year and it has been the most eye-opening experience as to how rude people can really be. Tips aside there are several other ways for someone to be so rude it ruins your entire self-worth for the night. I've experienced everything from kids throwing food at me repeatedly as the parents don't even react, and as far as being cussed at for being shorted on a bill. During these ridiculous situations, I am just dumbfounded that people think it is okay to leave an obnoxious mess behind, children destroying any and everything they can touch without any punishment or even a little reaction, and worst of all, treating restaurant employees as a lesser person. So after a long weekend of smiling through the rude tables I've established a list of rules to consider before going out to eat.

1. Please don't let your children run wild around, please.

I see at least a handful of super cute kids during a shift, please keep them close so I don't nearly run them over as I am bringing an arm full of hot food on heavy plates through the lobby. I really don't want to injure anyone, including myself while I'm working. Please don't let your child blatantly disrespect me and laugh it off. I am human, plus I really don't want to say anything rude to you or your child. I know kids aren't the cleanest when they eat, but there comes a point when it gets ridiculous. Someone has to clean up that war zone you left behind.

2. If you plan on going out to dinner, you need to tip properly.

Servers works almost entirely on tips and by 'almost' I mean 99.99 percent. Your tips means someone can pay their rent, car payment, phone bill, utilities, and other basic necessities. If you go out to eat and rack up a $100 bill chances are your server has put some time into your table, so reward them if they've kept you entertained and happy. It's their job, so tip them if they do it well. I can guarantee you will never go without hearing a genuine thank you. If you're the special tipper that goes above and beyond you'll receive a thank you several times because chances are you just made or turned that servers night around.

3. Servers are real people, not servants.

Yes the word serve is in my job title, but I am not your personal slave. If I had a nickel for every time I've been snapped at, whistled at, yelled at, grabbed by my tables I would never have to serve again. I am not an animal so please don't whistle or snap at me. If I am visibly talking to another table please don't grab my arm or yelled at me until I answer you. A simple raise of the hand would suffice just as well and we both still have some self respect left.

In any restaurant, whether it is a 5-star or your local Chili's servers are responsible for more than just you and your table. Servers have 3-4 table sections and sometimes more, so be courteous if it takes a minute for that extra side of ranch if the entire restaurant is clearly busy. Front of the House employees (servers, bartenders, hosts, etc.) do not control how long the wait is or why your food is taking 30 minutes to come out. Rude or snide comments don't make the situation any better for anyone. I promise your server is just as upset that your food is taking as long as it is.

There's a reason why comedians always finish their shows with the phrase 'tip your waitresses' because they've lived for tips before and they understand. The next time you go out to eat at a busy restaurant pay attention to how quickly the servers are moving. It is a mess of worker bees running over each other to keep their tables happy. Eventually you'll notice that they never stop. Chances are they haven't eaten in hours if at all that day, no time to use the restroom, but they are always smiling and laughing with each table. Through all of the chaos and exhaustion servers have to stay upbeat and friendly in order to make good tips, so be kind the next time you go out to eat.