Dustin Gandof
As couples, dining out is often a special occasion where you can spend quality time together, share a delicious meal, and reconnect. However, there are certain pet peeves or annoying habits that can ruin the experience and create tensions between partners. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common couples’ dining pet peeves and provide expert advice on how to navigate them.
1. Loud or Noisy Eaters
One of the most common couples’ dining pet peeves is loud or noisy eaters. This could be anything from someone slurping their soup to cracking their gum. The sounds can be distracting and make it difficult for your partner to enjoy their meal.
Expert advice: If your partner is a loud eater, communicate your frustration politely and explain how it distracts you from your meal. Encourage them to slow down, and offer to switch seats if necessary. It might also be best to avoid choosing places that are too quiet, as any sound will be more noticeable.
2. Ordering to Share vs. Solo Orderers
Another issue that couples face is deciding whether to order individual meals or opt for dishes to share. Some might prefer to order their own meals and eat at their own pace, while others might find it more romantic and sharing to order food to share.
Expert advice: Before choosing a restaurant, discuss the type of dining experience you both prefer. If sharing dishes is your cup of tea, make sure to discuss which dishes you each would like to try, so that there is no disappointment when the food arrives. Compromise is key- perhaps one could order the appetizers to share, and the other could order their own main dish.
3. Phones at the Table
Another modern-day problem that can be a significant pet peeve is the use of phones at the table. Many people struggle with putting their phones away and being present during the meal, leading to a lack of meaningful conversation between partners.
Expert advice: The best way to navigate this is by setting boundaries when it comes to phone use during meals. It is important to discuss what is and isn’t acceptable before you visit the restaurant. For example, agree to put phones on silent mode and out of sight while eating. If you need to check your phone for work or an emergency, explain this to your partner so that they know what is going on.
4. Rude Servers
Another pet peeve that can ruin the dining experience is rude servers. Waiting staff who are dismissive, unfriendly, or make mistakes with orders can leave you feeling frustrated and detract from the meal’s quality.
Expert advice: If you experience poor service, it is crucial to address the matter immediately. Politely communicate the issue to the server, and if they do not rectify the problem, speak to the restaurant’s management. However, it is also essential to be aware of context, as overburdening the server with demands or overload of work could also affect the service quality they provide.
Conclusion
Dining pet peeves can happen between couples, but it doesn’t always have to lead to frustration and tension. By discussing your preferred dining style and tactics to avoid distractions like phones or rude staff, it’s possible to make the most out of your time spent together in a restaurant. Remember, the key to navigating pet peeves is open communication and compromise. It’s all about enjoying the company, the food, and the experience.
