Spring is finally here (and not just on the calendar). We're having really nice weather this week. I witnessed something related to the weather (sort of) and I want to know how you would have reacted in that situation.
You go to Starbucks with 2 co-workers at 11:15am. When you get your order, you see that your co-workers are sitting at a table in front of the restaurant next door (Starbucks has no outside tables). It's such a nice day, you want to sit outside for a while. Soon two other groups of Starbucks' patrons also settle in at tables. Of the 8 tables in front of the restaurant, 2 are taken by restaurant customers and 3 by Starbucks' customers. (This isn't going to be a math test, I'm just setting the scene...and assuming you know how many tables are empty :).
As politely as she can, the restaurant manager tells the coffee drinkers that the tables are reserved for restaurant customers.
As one of the coffee drinkers, what do you do???
As the coffee drinker, I apologize and leave, of course. That's what a normal polite and considerate person does. I'm intrigued to hear what actually happened.
ReplyDeleteOne of the 3 groups did just that. The other two argued, saying there were still empty tables, they weren't causing a problem, should be allowed to stay, etc. It was disapppointing. They weren't kids (probably late 20s/early30s), but they reminded me of arrogant teenagers. Entitlement issues!
DeleteI usually "take one for the team". I don't like being bothered by people when I've already settled. I will definitely order something from the non-Starbucks restaurant just so I could sit on one of their tables without being bugged ... that's regardless if the food's good or not :)
ReplyDeleteThat's a good option, becoming a customer!
DeleteI would apologize and leave if I was a coffee drinker. the restaurant is paying for the retail space and it makes sense that they want their customers to sit there. But that's just me. I know some people would feel that they have the right to sit there eventhough that section does not belong to Starbucks...
ReplyDeleteYou're exactly right! Two of the groups didn't move, argued that they should be allowed to stay. Who cares if the tables were for customers and the lunch rush was about to start. They wanted to sit there, so that was all that mattered.
DeleteMy first reaction was I wouldn't have sat there in the first place. I'm not trying to sound like a goody two shoes, but really I wouldn't have. There are only two choices for the coffee drinker already taking up residence at the non-Starbucks. Apologize and leave, or go buy something from that restaurant then come back out and legitimately enjoy the sun from their outdoor tables.
ReplyDeletelol, that's great--I wouldn't have sat there either! One group apologized and left. The other two argued that is was okay for them to stay. People!
DeleteI would probably move (but like some of the other comments, not sat there in the first place). I'm such a rule follower when it comes to some things and then an antagonist when it comes to everything else
ReplyDeleteMe too! My reactions can be influenced by the attitudes of others. If someone is a jerk, it just naturally brings out the antagonist in me. :)
DeleteI read your reply about what the other 2 groups did and I'm just speechless. But then again, this sort of thing happens and I wouldn't actually talk sense into these people.
ReplyDeleteOh so rewind... I would not sit at the table in the first instance. I would probably sit a while if I were waiting for a while for somebody and I have my hands full but I won't be sitting there leisurely sipping my coffee. Also, if I were to be leisurely sipping my starbucks, I would probably buy something from the restaurant for my seating entitlement. The item should cost more than my starbucks.
In my youth, I used to always explain to people like that why what they were doing was wrong. I've mostly stopped because I realized they don't listen. But for old times sake I did give those two groups some grief. It was fun. :) I wasn't with any of the groups....I was having lunch.
Deletei would apologize and leave. i see no sense in arguing.
ReplyDeleteglad that spring is finally there! we've been having nice weather too and i couldn't be happier.
I didn't think you'd be part of the entitlement gang.
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