Can I Have the Salmon with a Side of Tissues...

Working in a restaurant for the majority of my life has given me many interesting stories. You come across all walks of life, each trying to enjoy a nice meal. Unfortunately, some dining experiences are ruined because other couples go in there with the intent to discuss a personal matter such as ending a relationship.

Let me set something straight, going to a restaurant is not ok if you intend to break up with someone. It is rude and it creates an awkward situation for the people around you. Many people think that if they take their significant other to a restaurant to essentially break their heart, that they are avoiding dramatic situation. Reality is restaurant or no restaurant, that person is going to have a reaction. Putting them in a public place only makes it worse because they are left incapable of expressing what they feel. So many times I have walked up to take and order and one of them is trying to read the menu through teary eyes and tell me what they want to eat through snot infused speak. This is unfair to the person you are breaking up with. It is embarrassing and yes, people are watching.  Ending a relationship is hurtful no matter what; rejection always hurts. Taking them out to eat to discuss things over dinner is counter-productive because they are unable to have real honest emotions, you estentially are backing them into a corner and forcing them to react the way that you want them to.  They may be ok with ending the relationship, but if they are and you are why is it necessary to sit through an entire meal with someone that you don't want to be with?

If you want to break up in a public place because you do not want to do it at your house or over the phone, take them to a park. If you are worried about them growing angry, violent, or beg you not to leave them make sure that you do it around a high traffic area where people will be able to see their reaction. Being in a public place will hinder them from behaving inappropriately and allow you to avoid a dramatic scene while still giving them a chance to have an honest reaction.