Someone once said that the English never complain enough, I don't know who said it, but at the time they were probably right. Possibly we do stand up for our rights somewhat more now, and we certainly should. However you can still see plenty of people who, perhaps for not wanting to upset, or hurt feelings, fail to be truthful. A typical instance may be a couple seated in a restaurant, their meal arrives and they start to eat; their comments before long might be:
"How's your steak?"
"Bit tough... and these chips are like yesterdays."
"Mmm, that's what I thought."
The waitress appears and says, "Everything all right"?
The amazing reply! "Yes fine thanks."
Fine! It's not fine at all, the meats tough and the potato things have been warmed up, probably in a microwave. But, they don't want to upset chef, or the nice little waitress; instead they tell a great whopping lie and say everything is okay. Of course they won't be coming back, and that's the pity of it all. Had they been brave enough to be totally honest and given feedback, the restaurant owner might have appreciated their comments, allowing improvements to be made, and the business to prosper.
Once upon a time, I might have said "fine" when things were not, but not anymore. A case in point happened while my family and I were on holiday in Norfolk. We were out for Sunday lunch and came across a quiet little pub aptly named ‘The First and Last'. I went in and enquired about their food and menu. So confident was the person behind the bar about the quality of the dinner, I was told, if I didn't enjoy it he would pay for my drinks. With such encouraging words echoing in my ear I felt sure we were in for a treat...
Shortly after the meals arrived at our table, I returned to the bar; the barman seemed to think I was joking when I told him we were not happy. He followed me back to our table with words on the lines that no one had ever complained before. However on inspecting our plates he agreed that grey coloured beef in a similar coloured gravy did not look appetizing, and the lumps of gristle did nothing to enhance the quality of the meal. We accepted a full refund, but I waved the offer of the free drink. It certainly was ‘The First and Last' for this family.
If you go out for a meal and it's good, by all means let them know. If it was not enjoyable you really must tell them; they will probably offer you a complimentary meal and you will be helping that restaurant to get it right.
