Well, Well, Well

FOH. Front of House. That's pretty much my entire life. I'm a Resident Assistant (front of Residence Life in Dorms,) an administrative assistant (front desk,) a marketing representative (front for product,) and waiter (FOH at its best.) Needless to say I meet a lot of people, represent a lot of businesses, and hear a lot of, well, stupid things. So I'm going to document them. Here. For you.

Today I would like to talk about anniversaries. I get a few at my restaurant and by a few I mean about once per shift. Clearly its original, but who am I to judge on that. In fact I think its awesome that everyone wants to go on a cruise in the harbor for their anniversary, but lets talk about a few do's and don'ts.

Roses. DON'T. We provide them on the boat, but I'm thinking there is better choice for your sweetheart. If she likes roses, fine, but if you've gotten them before, or shes mentioned how she doesn't like them or how she likes another type of flower, or when you watch a romantic movie she gags (and not in a good way) here's the message: DON'T GET ROSES. I'm pretty sure the boat will get you a different type of flower if you request it, and picture this: You board, there are three different couples celebrating anniversaries. Roses are laid on two tables, but on your table is a bouqet of stargazer lillies, blazing white as if a spotlight shone on them. Your sweetheart gasps as she realizes you remembered that those were her favorite, and the other fellas glare at you becuase they just got roses. Great way to start.

Your Song. DO. It is amazing to me at the amount of men who actually are emberassed that they have a song. Guess what? Your song is a public sign of love, connection, and territory. Thats right guys, by having a song you have her marked. I don't mean to cheapen the romatic side of having a song, it is truly romantic, but it has other purposes as well. So grow a pair, tell me (your waiter) to ask the DJ to announce that your celebrating 10 years of bliss and that this song goes out to you. A Whole New World begins to play, and you lead your lady onto the floor while the other men giggle at you two sharing a disney song. Little do they know their ladies wonder why their song isn't getting played.

The Ring. DO. OK, so its an anniverary right? Anniversary of what? Your marriage. And what is the year round symbol of your marriage? Your rings. Now your asking yourself... wait I have to get her a new ring every year? Yes. NO! But there needs to be something. It can be a poem, a picture, a necklace, a bracelet, something that says I Do in a subtle but effective way. Don't be silly about it though. If you always get her jewlery, get her something else; if you never would write a poem, write one. She give you cues you just have to listen... year round.

Now I know economic times are hard. I know that the world is busier now than ever, but for this one day a year don't be bogged down by the world. Don't talk about work or homeland security or your plans to go fishing with your best friend Al. This day symbolizes a union that should be a lifelong union and there is nothing worth more, so show her that nothing is worth more.

And one more thing. As your waiter, I don't want to be a hinderance, so when she goes to the bathroom let me in on the game plan and I'll do everything in my power to assist because that what an FOH employee is all about.

Well, that and tips.