Too Friendly?

So we have had to say goodbye to the myriad of people with whom we are acquainted. This sounds easier than it is, as each visit requires a few hours. I'm not saying my friends and family are burdensome, just that I want every minute of every visit to be worthwhile.

Which brings me to my recent visit at a local chain restaurant which shall remain nameless. Let's just say that all the ladies who are servers wear ties and mostly serve pasta. If you've been there, you know what I'm talking about.

My husband and I waited at the bar with our friends until our table was ready and the red buzzing coaster went off. We headed to the host kiosk and awaited directions. The overly-smiling hostess said the classic "how are you tonight?" and we responded that we were fine.

In my mind, that's enough. Apparently not for miss chatty. She walked with her body forward and her head backward so as to engage us in brief, yet meaningful conversation. Really? I'm here with friends. I don't want to talk to you, I want to talk to them.

"what's the occasion tonight" she said.
Just dinner.
"Isn't the weather outside just beautiful?"
Yes.
"my boyfriend and I are going to the beach later"
That's nice.
"He's so great, he bought me flowers today."
Neat.

Now I've worked in the restaurant business and yes, the hostess is the first impression of the place, but if not for my love of five-cheese ziti, I would have turned around.

I half expected her to ask me to friend her on facebook or something. Was she trying to get my husband to pay her some attention? What was her motive? Does she need friends? what was worse is that my girl-friend and I were already having conversation and yet she kept butting in to add her unimportant questions and comments.

I'm not bitter. I just want that three minutes back. There definitely is a line that can be crossed with friendliness. May I advise, if you ask three questions and people answer with one word answers, they're probably not interested in conversing with you. Quit while you're ahead.