Breaking Up: To Dine or Not to Dine?

After working in a restaurant for the past eight years I have seen my fair share of awkward, horrible couple moments. Sure not all of them have been to bad. Occasionally you are able to witness proposals or fiftieth wedding anniversaries, but most of them time I have had to watch couples end their relationship.

Every single time I am exposed to their falling out I have been forced to try and serve their food between moments of angry tears and mean four letter words. And every single time it makes me wonder why people think that taking someone to dinner is the appropriate way to tell their partner that they no longer want to be with them. I mean come on, do they think that their boyfriend or girlfriend is going to feel better because food is in front of their face, or that being in a public place will stop the other person from causing a scene? I am baffled as to why anyone would think a full plate of fettuccine is going to soften the blow when they break the other person’s heart. It is ridiculous to suggest that the hurt caused by telling another that you no longer love them will be rectified over a cheap plate of pasta. Not only is it unfair to that person, but it is rude to think that other people should have to watch the event.

One night I realized that what these people need is a lesson in break-up etiquette. First of all it is not okay to take the other person to a public place. When dealing with natural human emotions rejection is going to hurt no matter where you tell them. It is not fair to try and take them out to a public place in hope that you will avoid a big scene. If a person is going to become emotional they should have the freedom to do so. It is selfish to put your own comfort second to their’s. After all they are the one’s experiencing the heartache and pain of losing someone they love. Therefore allowing them the freedom to express that pain should not be taken away. Besides even if you avoid an emotional outburst it is only momentarily. I guarantee that you will get a call or visit in the future, where they will express how they really feel about the situation. So if you are strong enough to end the relationship you should be strong enough to deal with their response.