General Rules 1

How is it that someone can come into a restaurant and not realize that there are general expectations of both them and their server?

For example: I come to the table after everything is finished and the check that I had placed neatly in the center of the table on edge with the check visible is now turned onto its side on the edge of the table. "I will be right back with this" is kindly stated as I pick up the check. "Oh no, I haven't done anything with that yet..." looking at me like I am the idiot. I then leave. At some point while I am gone the check has been picked up, a form of payment placed inside and the book placed in the exact same spot where they had it before. Several minutes will go by with me assuming that the check has not been touched when they are waving me down, "excuse me! this is ready to go now!" with the usual attitude of I should have known!

I have now taken to taking the check out of their hands at the point where they tell me they have not done anything with it and place it back in the original position I had it before. I might loose my tip, but maybe I will save some other poor server this song and dance for they next time this idiot thinks he is capable of behaving in a restaurant.