We have a couple of favorite eateries. It has little to do with the food; it has everything to do with the people who eat there. The restaurants are filled with our neighbors from miles around who fill us in on new business, fun events and serious news that affects us as community members. So we’re driving around in the rain at 8:15AM on a Saturday morning. We’ve got some time to kill before my hair appointment, so we decide to try a different diner for breakfast.
Huge mistake.
We walked in and placed our order at a counter then found an empty booth. Usually, I enjoy listening to the locals chat about what’s going on around town. Today was different.
Complaints. Complaints. Complaints. NOTHING but complaints.
*One husband and wife sat at two completely separate tables. He pointed at a couple entering the restaurant, and she complained that she didn’t want to talk to them, so she went and sat in the car.
*The gentleman in the back complained about having to go to work…about twenty different times.
*The newest patrons, the couple the one lady didn’t want to talk to, announced that someone in the next town over had died. The man across from us was sure it had to be an overdose. “You know how those people are,” he said.
*There are too many unwanted dogs getting hit by cars. “They need to be put down.”
It was at this point that I looked up at my husband and said, “We have GOT to get out of here.” The complaints continued.
* Gas prices. Bad gas. “My truck is ruined because of watered-down gas.”
Finally, the biggest nay-sayer got a phone call and announced that he had to leave.
*He complained about his wife (the caller) as he scooted out of the booth.
*He complained about the poor quality of lawn mowers. He was on his way to get his fixed. “It’s never worked right since I bought it” were the last words I heard from him.
I gulped down scalding hot coffee. I couldn’t take it any longer.
We arrived at my hair appointment with plenty of time to spare. After we briefed Christy, my hairdresser, about our unfortunate experience, we were able to put all of that negativity aside.
*Christy had recently been on a trip with the youth group at her church. She had a great time.
*There were multiple birds outside the window eating at the number of bird feeders she had placed around her yard. We commented on the types of birds and discussed what housing and feeders had worked best.
*She invited us to a musical event at her church in May. We put it in our calendar.
*We discussed an event we are planning together to help a woman’s shelter. It needs to held in April around her son’s baseball schedule and the opening ceremony for baseball season. Greg told her we wanted to attend.
*Her husband, Mikey, stuck his head in and greeted us by nodding at me and reaching out a hand to Greg. When the door opened I could tell that he was cooking breakfast for his family.
I really wish we had eaten there instead.
[julie]
One bad habit begets another and maybe those poor folks just feed off each other .. but nothing says you have to – ugh! You did the only thing you could do – get up and leave (and never go back!)
Cheers! MJ
Julie – I’ve walked out of negative space restaurants before. Oh my goodness…if you go there, you’re looking to relax, eat and not cook. You’re NOT looking to gain icky carma and a dark cloud!
This is so *true*–some places have a real negative energy. I miss our local cafe (Ruth’s Carney Cafe in Carney.) It closed about 6 motnhs ago, but up until then you were guaranteed to be greeted by a smiling face and to have a chat with one or more of your neighbors–along with the good food!