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- 13 Animals Early Americans Saw, But We Never WillWhen the first European explorers stepped foot in North America, they encountered a land filled with strange and now-extinct creatures unlike anything we see today. These weren’t dinosaurs, but they were bizarre by modern standards. From massive predators to delicate insects, many of these species vanished after being heavily hunted. Back then, animals were used for food, clothing, tools, and even shelter. You’d need to go to a museum to catch a glimpse of these lost animals — but here’s a list to get you started!
Great Auk
This grounded seabird once inhabited the eastern coastlines of North America and Europe — from the U.S. and Canada to Greenland, Iceland, and the British Isles. The final known breeding pair of great auks was killed in Iceland in 1844, with hunters destroying their single egg in the process. A lone bird was reportedly seen in 1852, but that marked the last recorded sighting. These birds spent most of their lives swimming, only coming ashore to mate, and were easy targets due to their resemblance to penguins. People harvested them for their meat and feathers.
Mexican Grizzly Bear
Native to parts of northern Mexico and regions in Arizona and New Mexico, these bears were slightly smaller than their North American grizzly cousins. Known as Mexican grizzlies, their coats shimmered in silvery or golden tones. Unfortunately, ranchers saw them as threats to livestock and eliminated them to protect their herds. Despite being given protected status, experts believe they vanished completely by 1969.Wikimedia Commons-Enos Abijah Mills Source: Wikimedia Commons-Enos Abijah Mills Carolina Parakeet
The Carolina parakeet was the only parrot species native to the United States, with bright colors and small size. They once filled the skies across the Southeast. Though they ranged from Colorado to New York, most flocks were concentrated in Florida, Georgia, and the coastal Carolinas. The final captive bird died in 1918 at the Cincinnati Zoo. The exact reasons for their extinction still remain unknown to scientists.Wikimedia Commons-David J. Stang Source: Wikimedia Commons-David J. Stang Caribbean Monk Seal
Found across the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean monk seal became the first known seal species wiped out by human activity. They were easy prey while resting or nursing on beaches, and the last confirmed sighting was in 1952. More than fifty years later, in 2008, the species was officially declared extinct. They were the only native seal to the region.Wikimedia Commons-New York Zoological Society Source: Wikimedia Commons-New York Zoological Society Florida Black Wolf
Once roaming the state of Florida, the Florida black wolf may have been a unique species rather than just a variant of the gray wolf or coyote — though experts still debate that. These dark-furred canines disappeared by 1908, having been wiped out from the landscape. They shared territory with the Florida red wolf, which also met extinction in 1921. Competition and hunting sealed their fate.Wikimedia Commons-John James Audubon Source: Wikimedia Commons-John James Audubon Passenger Pigeon
Passenger pigeons once filled the skies in the early 19th century, with flocks so enormous they darkened the sky for hours as they passed. By the 1890s, those great swarms had dwindled to only a few birds. The final known passenger pigeon, named Martha, died at the Cincinnati Zoo in 1914. Experts agree that widespread hunting — without understanding the consequences — led to their disappearance.Wikimedia Commons-Keith Schengili-Roberts Source: Wikimedia Commons-Keith Schengili-Roberts Hare Indian Dog
Raised by Indigenous tribes in Northern Canada, the Hare Indian dog was either a domesticated coyote or a crossbreed between dogs and coyotes — what some call a “coydog.” Medium-sized and long-haired, they were primarily used for hunting by the Hare people. As traditional hunting practices faded and interbreeding with other dogs became common, the Hare Indian dog slowly vanished in the 1800s.Wikimedia Commons-John James Audubon Source: Wikimedia Commons-John James Audubon Heath Hen
Heath hens once roamed the East Coast, resembling chickens in size and build, with their striped plumage and distinctive head feathers or “horns.” They were closely related to the greater prairie chicken, still found in the Midwest but now considered vulnerable. Heath hens were gone by 1932, though modern scientists are exploring “de-extinction” to potentially bring them back using preserved DNA.Wikimedia Commons-A. C. Bent Source: Wikimedia Commons-A. C. Bent Eastern Elk
The eastern elk belonged to a subspecies that once thrived throughout the northern and eastern regions of the United States, often seen alongside bison and deer. Relentlessly hunted by early settlers, their decline was so significant that even Theodore Roosevelt remarked on it in 1905. The eastern elk is now extinct, but a small herd descended from 18 elk sent to New Zealand by Roosevelt might hold the key to reintroducing the species someday.Wikimedia Commons-John James Audubon Source: Wikimedia Commons-John James Audubon Salish Woolly Dog
The Salish woolly dog, once bred by Coast Salish peoples in the Pacific Northwest, had a thick coat that was shorn each year like sheep’s wool. This fur was blended with mountain goat hair and used to craft traditional woven blankets. Although the breed went extinct in the 1900s, DNA testing has since confirmed the tribal accounts of using their fur for textiles were entirely accurate.Wikimedia Commons-Paul Kane Source: Wikimedia Commons-Paul Kane Xerces Blue Butterfly
Native to the sand dunes of coastal San Francisco, these delicate butterflies were last seen in the wild in 1941. The Xerces blue butterfly was wiped out by development and the destruction of its habitat. Today, the Xerces Society — a conservation nonprofit — works to protect other vulnerable invertebrates before they meet the same fate.Wikimedia Commons-Brianwray26 Source: Wikimedia Commons-Brianwray26 Labrador Duck
This sea duck once lived along the northeastern U.S. coast and migrated south to areas like Long Island and the Chesapeake Bay during winter. Although they may have never been numerous, their extinction is still puzzling to scientists. It’s unclear if over-hunting, egg collecting, or the loss of food sources led to their disappearance, but the last known Labrador duck was seen in 1878. Around 55 preserved specimens exist today in museums.Wikimedia Commons-Naturalis Biodiversity Center Source: Wikimedia Commons-Naturalis Biodiversity Center Sea Mink
Closely related to the American mink, the sea mink was native to the rocky coasts of Maine, Massachusetts, and Newfoundland and likely vanished by the 1880s. Unfortunately, this species disappeared before researchers could study their behavior or determine their exact range. They were targeted for their fur, which was especially valuable to European traders — and this demand drove them to extinction.Wikipedia-Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club Source: Wikipedia-Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
Source: Ranker, Wikimedia Commons, YouTube – The Lost Mexican Grizzly
The #1 Thing Each US State Is The Worst AtEvery state in America has its own personality, and sometimes just driving a few miles across a state line can feel like entering a different world. That contrast is part of what makes the country so fascinating. The U.S. is so varied that what one state thrives at might be exactly where another one falls apart. So let’s take a look at what each state seriously struggles with.Alabama: Most child smokers
Alabama did decide to bump the legal smoking age up to 19, which sounds nice on paper, but it’s kind of like putting nutrition facts on a triple bacon cheeseburger—symbolic, not exactly game-changing.
Alaska: Highest chlamydia rate
All that oil cash floating around led to some questionable decisions over the years. But with the lowest number of people per square mile and the chilliest average temps, lonely Alaskans are probably just hoping someone else moves in to help warm the place up.Pixabay-Sabrinai Source: Pixabay-Sabrinai Arizona: Worst at going to the dentist
Roughly 60% of Arizona residents admitted they skip out on regular dental checkups. That might fly if you’ve already got a full set of dentures, but for everyone else, it’s just kind of disgusting.Pixabay-drshohmelian Source: Pixabay-drshohmelian Arkansas: Fewest advanced degrees per capita
In Arkansas, only about 6.1% of people hold an advanced degree or higher. So if you’re a professor looking to relocate, you might want to really think twice before putting down roots here.Pixabay-Olichel Source: Pixabay-Olichel California: Most polluted cities
Everyone knows the air quality in Los Angeles is rough, almost like breathing on the set of a dystopian action film. But try visiting Bakersfield, Fresno, Modesto, or Sacramento—it’s not much of an improvement. It’s as if California went out of its way to make Fresno even less appealing.Pixabay-12019 Source: Pixabay-12019 Colorado: Greatest cocaine use
If you’re at a get-together in Colorado and overhear people chatting about “fresh powder,” don’t assume they’re talking about skiing. You might want to double-check what kind of party you’re at.Pixabay-Hans Source: Pixabay-Hans Connecticut: Most unequal incomes
Connecticut leads the nation in school enrollment and per-person income, but the wealth gap is massive—the top 1% make 41 times more than everyone else. The wealthy just keep stacking cash while the rest settle for grabbing a slice of pizza in New Haven.Pixabay-ArtisticOperations Source: Pixabay-ArtisticOperations Delaware: Least regular exercise
A Gallup survey found that under half of Delaware’s residents get even minimal regular exercise—just 30 minutes a day, three times a week. Then again, since you can drive across the state in about an hour, most people probably have no idea how long that trip would take on foot anyway.Pixabay-RyanMcGuire Source: Pixabay-RyanMcGuire Florida: Most recreational boat accidents
Florida holds the record for the most boating-related accidents and fatalities. On the bright side, studies suggest that the average Floridian handles a boat about as well as a squirrel on espresso. So there’s that.Pixabay-webtop1 Source: Pixabay-webtop1 Georgia: Least integrity
When it comes to ethics, Georgia’s lawmakers rank dead last, with more than 650 state employees accepting gifts over just two years. Reaching them for comment is tough—unless you come bearing game tickets or a spiral-cut ham.Pixabay-geralt Source: Pixabay-geralt Hawaii: Highest homelessness rate
While homelessness has gone down in many parts of the U.S. recently, Hawaii still has a rate five times higher than Mississippi, Indiana, and Kansas combined. On the plus side, at least the sleeping spots come with ocean views.Pixabay-CA_1 Source: Pixabay-CA_1 Idaho: Worst drivers
Thankfully, Idaho doesn’t see a ton of traffic accidents, mainly because not a lot of people live there or need to drive through it. For comparison, D.C. and New York weren’t far behind, which fits their reputations. But Idaho’s motorists? They’re just plain bad at driving.Pixabay-freestocks-photos Source: Pixabay-freestocks-photos Illinois: Most rail accidents
Illinois residents aren’t just getting injured by gun violence or overloaded with deep-dish pizza. With so many rail yards running through the state, train derailments are surprisingly frequent—just enough to beat out Texas for the top spot.Pixabay-12019 Source: Pixabay-12019 Indiana: Most meth incidents
Well, here’s a shocker. Everyone expected Florida to win this category hands down. Sorry if you bet on it. Really, sorry if you bet anything at all.Pixabay-JamesRonin Source: Pixabay-JamesRonin Iowa: Highest racial disparity in marijuana arrests
Marijuana usage among black and white residents in Iowa is about the same, but black Iowans are eight times more likely to end up arrested for it. That disparity is a lot bigger than most would guess.Pexels-Kinde Media Source: Pexels-Kinde Media Kansas: Ugliest scenery
If you ever wondered why The Wizard of Oz begins in black and white, you might be surprised to learn it’s not just a stylistic choice—Kansas really does give off that kind of vibe, at least to most of the country.Pexels-Taylor Hunt Source: Pexels-Taylor Hunt Kentucky: Worst to be an animal
While the Kentucky Wildcats have racked up eight NCAA titles, real wildcats wouldn’t exactly be living their best lives here. For seven straight years, Kentucky has been ranked the worst state when it comes to protecting animals.Pixabay-williambell Source: Pixabay-williambell Louisiana: Highest murder rate
Louisiana leads the nation in both murder rates and gun-related deaths. So if you’re planning a wild night after Mardi Gras, maybe think twice—unless you’re looking to end up featured on a late-night true crime show.Pixabay-ty_yang Source: Pixabay-ty_yang Maine: Fewest heliports
In Maine, if you’re trying to land your helicopter, chances are you’ll have to head into New Hampshire just to find a suitable spot. It’s a hassle, but hey—owning a helicopter means you’re probably doing alright.Pixabay-t_watanabe Source: Pixabay-t_watanabe Maryland: Worst at incarcerating the elderly
Maryland seems to let its senior citizens off pretty easy when it comes to serious crime. Only about 7.5% of inmates are over 50, which is half the national average. Looks like getting older has perks—at least in court.Pixabay-coombesy Source: Pixabay-coombesy Massachusetts: Worst at happy hour
Way back in 1984, Massachusetts became the pioneer in banning happy hour. Since then, workers have had no choice but to vent about their jobs over drinks that are full-priced—and full of regret.Pixabay-spooky_kid Source: Pixabay-spooky_kid Michigan: Worst roads
Thanks to 8 Mile, Detroit got a bit of a cinematic revival, but drive beyond that and Michigan’s roads are a total disaster. The state only shells out $174 per person each year to maintain its roads and bridges, so make sure your vehicle can handle the punishment.Pixabay-albertoadan Source: Pixabay-albertoadan Minnesota: Most tornadoes
Back in 2010 alone, Minnesota got slammed by 145 tornadoes. That’s no small number. So before heading there, check the forecast—and double-check that your hotel won’t blow away with your luggage.Pixabay-Jan-Mallander Source: Pixabay-Jan-Mallander : Shortest life expectancy
People living in Mississippi can expect to hit about 75 years old on average. Meanwhile, residents of 11 other states often live past 80. That’s five bonus years spent literally anywhere but Mississippi.Pixabay-ed2456 Source: Pixabay-ed2456 Missouri: Worst puppy mills
There’s no sugarcoating this one—it’s just plain awful. Even if the animals were well-treated, which they’re not, it would still be unacceptable. If you witness it, report it. And if you can, consider adopting.Pixabay-chathuraanuradha Source: Pixabay-chathuraanuradha Montana: Most traffic fatalities per capita
In the late ’90s, Montana decided daytime speed limits weren’t necessary anymore. People basically floored it just to escape faster, blasting ’90s pop songs at twice the legal speed. Speed limits came back eventually, but getting people to follow them is still hit or miss.Pixabay-MikeGoad Source: Pixabay-MikeGoad Nebraska: Least furniture manufacturing
You’re probably not going to stumble upon anything proudly labeled “Made in Nebraska.” Then again, that just means the field’s wide open if you’re looking to start your own venture.Pixabay-Detmold Source: Pixabay-Detmold Nevada: Highest divorce rate
It’s not shocking that Nevada has one of the highest marriage rates in the U.S., considering all those quickie ceremonies performed by Elvis impersonators and booze-fueled weddings between strangers. Thankfully, what happens in Vegas—including bad legal decisions—mostly stays there.Pixabay-Tumisu Source: Pixabay-Tumisu New Hampshire: Fewest inland waterways
New Hampshire doesn’t give you much to complain about—unless you’re trying to get around by water. In that case, expect to be annoyed more often than not.Pixabay-WaterfrontAgent Source: Pixabay-WaterfrontAgent New Jersey: Worst for speeding tickets
New Jersey takes the crown for the most speed traps in the nation, with one showing up roughly every 30 miles. That adds up to about $30,000 in road fees per mile. And if you’re just a little too fast? Expect a doubled fine labeled as “racing.” Not exactly the place for your Fast & Furious fantasies.Pixabay-ArtisticOperations Source: Pixabay-ArtisticOperations New Mexico: Most accidental deaths
The term “accidental” can cover just about anything, so in this state, even stepping outside for a breath of fresh air might end poorly. Maybe the Grim Reaper picked up some real estate here.Pixabay-12019 Source: Pixabay-12019 New York: Worst to be a taxpayer
Residents of New York get hit with the highest combined state and local taxes in the nation—averaging $9,718 a year, which is 39% more than the national average. Even when factoring in the cost of living, it’s still the most expensive place to pay up.Pixabay-Lenzatic Source: Pixabay-Lenzatic North Carolina: Worst state for education
North Carolina landed at the bottom of national rankings for education, dragged down by poor spending, overburdened teachers, and far too many students who just aren’t motivated to learn.Pixabay-16081684 Source: Pixabay-16081684 North Dakota: Least visited
North Dakota sits way out on the edge of the country and doesn’t have the benefit of a landmark like Mt. Rushmore to draw visitors. South Dakota might not be glamorous, but at least it has something more than a buffalo museum to offer.Pixabay-dksecord Source: Pixabay-dksecord Ohio: Worst water
Ohio came in dead last in a nationwide evaluation of water quality conducted by the Natural Resources Defense Council. If you’re planning a trip there, it might be smart to pack bottled water—and maybe some antibiotics, just in case.Pixabay-12019 Source: Pixabay-12019 Oklahoma: Lowest produce consumption
Oklahoma-based fast food giant Sonic offers nearly 400,000 drink options and pushes out billions of Tater Tots each year. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean there’s a single vegetable in sight on those trays.Pixabay-MikeGoad Source: Pixabay-MikeGoad Oregon: Most prescription painkiller abuse
In Oregon, when it comes to painkillers, the rules seem to be simple: don’t mess with other people’s pills, and maybe ask if they’ve got any extras. Still, you have to wonder what’s hurting everyone so badly out there.Pixabay-EmilianDanaila Source: Pixabay-EmilianDanaila Pennsylvania: Worst bridges
With over 22,000 bridges spanning the state, and nearly a quarter of them rated as structurally deficient, driving across one can quickly turn into either a moment of faith—or a reason to start praying.Pixabay-12019 Source: Pixabay-12019 Rhode Island – Highest teacher absenteeism
More than half of Rhode Island’s teachers miss at least ten days of work each school year, and one out of five skip over twenty. If a student pulled that off, they’d be repeating a grade. The kicker? These teachers earn more than their counterparts in South Dakota.Pixabay-steveriot1 Source: Pixabay-steveriot1 South Carolina: Most violent crime
South Carolina tops the charts when it comes to violent crime, with 766 incidents per 100,000 people. That whole idea of Southern hospitality? Doesn’t really hold up when you’re reading the crime stats.Pixabay-ElasticComputeFarm Source: Pixabay-ElasticComputeFarm South Dakota: Lowest-paid teachers
Low pay isn’t just a problem for educators in South Dakota—it’s a statewide issue. With the lowest wages in the country, it’s bad news if you’re working for a living, but employers probably aren’t complaining.Pixabay-14995841 Source: Pixabay-14995841 Tennessee: Most dangerous
In Tennessee, danger isn’t subtle—it’s the kind that demands constant awareness. If you’re the cautious type, you might want to just avoid going there altogether.Pixabay-paulbr75 Source: Pixabay-paulbr75 Texas: Fewest high school graduates per capita
Texas holds the distinction of being the only state where fewer than 80% of the population has completed high school. So yes, everything really is bigger in Texas—including the number of dropouts.Pixabay-ernestoeslava Source: Pixabay-ernestoeslava Utah: Nerdiest state
Based on a study that analyzed Facebook “likes,” Utah turned out to be the nerdiest state in America. Maybe it’s easier to lean into fandoms when your beer is watered down and the party shuts down at 1 a.m.Pixabay-MabelAmber Source: Pixabay-MabelAmber Vermont: Most illicit drug use
Vermont’s enthusiasm for controlled substances might be linked to the fact that it has fewer children than any other state. With an aging population and a harsh dose of reality setting in, at least they made the most of their wild years.Pixabay-ZibalMedia Source: Pixabay-ZibalMedia Virginia: Lowest oil production per capita
Alaska may dominate the oil production game, but Virginia takes pride in something else—it ranks much lower when it comes to chlamydia. So dig deep, but maybe keep it clean.Pixabay-Skitterphoto Source: Pixabay-Skitterphoto Washington: Worst at loving Justin Bieber
Washington has legalized marijuana, but weirdly, residents can’t grow their own at home. So instead of tending plants, maybe just put on a Justin Bieber playlist—it’s free, and also a little confusing.Pixabay-12019 Source: Pixabay-12019 West Virginia: Fewest college graduates per capita
John Denver might have called West Virginia “almost heaven,” but from an economic standpoint, it’s closer to financial purgatory. With the lowest rate of full-time workers, the fewest college grads, and grim views on the future, things aren’t exactly looking up.Pixabay-nikolayhg Source: Pixabay-nikolayhg Wisconsin: Highest incarceration rate of African Americans
In Wisconsin, 12.8% of African American men are incarcerated, which is nearly double the national average of 6.7% and even worse than Oklahoma’s numbers. In this state, jail time seems to come faster than landing in Monopoly’s orange square.Pixabay-PublicDomainPictures Source: Pixabay-PublicDomainPictures Wyoming: Highest suicide rate
Wyoming has the highest suicide rate in the country at 23.2 per 100,000 residents. For contrast, New Jersey’s rate is about three times lower. Then again, Wyoming is also the least populated state—so maybe the silence cuts a little deeper.Pixabay-rebcenter-moscow Source: Pixabay-rebcenter-moscow Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
15+ “Polite” Habits Restaurant Workers Actually Secretly DespiseThough most diners aim to be polite and considerate, many common behaviors unintentionally create challenges for restaurant employees. Conversations with servers, hosts, chefs, and bussers reveal just how crucial it is to understand proper dining manners and tipping habits to ensure we’re not making their jobs harder without realizing it.Don’t: Hold up your glass for a refill
It may seem courteous to lift your glass when your server is carrying a full pitcher or is far from your seat, but doing so actually increases the chance of an accident. Susie L., a fine-dining server in Atlanta, explains that holding up your glass can make it wobbly, raising the risk of spills. What feels like a helpful move can actually create more pressure for the server.
Do: Leave your glass on table or hand it to your server
The best approach is to keep your glass on the table. If you’re in a spot that’s hard to reach, it’s fine to hand it to your server directly. This simple tip applies whether you’re eating at an upscale restaurant or a casual neighborhood chain.reddit Source: reddit Don’t: Go to the server station
Restaurants often assign specific service areas where staff keep essential items, but these spots aren’t meant for guest access or visibility. If these areas are cluttered or in full view, it’s considered poor etiquette. Anica G., a Minnesota-based server, advises against customers walking over to these stations to “save time,” as it actually interrupts workflow and slows things down.reddit Source: reddit Do: Signal to the server
Rather than heading to a service station, signal your waiter and wait for them to come to you. Entering staff areas throws off their routine and may delay service rather than speeding it up.pixabay Source: pixabay Don’t: Split the check at the end
One of Anica’s major annoyances is when she asks how the check should be split and gets vague answers like, “We’ll figure it out later.” She urges diners to make that decision early, as trying to divide the bill post-meal—especially when it’s not evenly split—can get complicated and uncomfortable for everyone involved.reddit Source: reddit Do: Decide how you pay before ordering
To avoid confusion at the end of the meal, decide ahead of time how you’ll divide the bill and how many checks are needed. Let your server know early to make the payment process quicker and smoother.reddit Source: reddit Don’t: Put trash in glasses
Some guests toss used napkins, wrappers, or food scraps into their cups thinking they’re helping tidy up, but this actually creates more work. Anica explains that glasses are easier to clean when they’re just used for drinks—digging out trash adds unnecessary steps before washing. Baristas in coffee shops face similar problems with cups filled with napkins or leftover food.reddit Source: reddit Do: Keep trash in a designated spot
To help with cleanup, gather trash into one or two spots on the table and leave your used napkins near your plate. Avoid putting garbage in your glassware, which only complicates things for the staff during dishwashing.pexels Source: pexels Don’t: Use terms of endearment for waitstaff
Servers are frequently addressed with terms like “honey,” “sweetheart,” “cutie,” or “missy,” which might seem harmless but can feel condescending or even inappropriate. Maddie C., a hostess and busser in Seattle, emphasizes that name tags exist for a reason. She adds that being asked for her full name or having customers look her up online is both uncomfortable and intrusive. Her clear message: “Don’t do that.”pexels Source: pexels Do: Call them by their name
Keep interactions respectful by using the name provided on the server’s tag. This simple gesture isn’t just good restaurant etiquette—it also applies in other service industries, like airlines, and sets the tone for a courteous exchange.pexels Source: pexels Don’t: Order for everyone
While there are occasional reasons for one person to speak on behalf of a group, it usually complicates things for staff. Lizzy V., who worked at a diner in Idaho, explains that when one person orders for everyone, servers can’t ask individual questions, increasing the chance of mistakes. It also makes it unclear who gets which dish when food is brought to the table.reddit Source: reddit Do: Have each person state their order
To keep things simple, let each guest place their own order. This applies to kids too—it’s a great opportunity for them to learn manners and take part in the experience, all while easing the server’s job.pexels Source: pexels Don’t: Give cooking instructions when ordering
If you have specific dietary needs or preferences, share them with your server—but avoid presenting an exhaustive list of modifications. Maddie points out that some guests try to micromanage how food should be prepared, as if instructing the chef. Trust the staff to guide you—they know the menu well, even if they wouldn’t personally eat everything on it.reddit Source: reddit Do: Stick to the given choices
Stick to basic requests such as meat temperature or allergy-related concerns. Overloading your server with long-winded instructions slows down the kitchen and complicates service. Keep your preferences clear but reasonable to allow the restaurant team to handle things effectively.reddit Source: reddit Don’t: Give physical compliments
Making comments about someone’s appearance, especially in a professional setting, crosses the line and can be considered harassment. Alexander D., a D.C.-based server, stresses that remarks about someone’s body are inappropriate regardless of gender. Such comments should be avoided entirely—discussing physical traits simply doesn’t belong in these environments.reddit Source: reddit Do: Compliment their skills
Giving sincere compliments about a server’s performance is a meaningful way to recognize their efforts. Praising their service not only boosts their morale but may also support their professional growth. If you receive outstanding service, be sure to let the manager know so the employee receives proper acknowledgment.reddit Source: reddit Don’t: Stack plates
Though stacking plates or utensils might feel like you’re helping, most restaurants prefer customers leave the clearing to staff. Servers have specific systems for clearing tables, and well-meant stacking can complicate things—especially when glasses meant for the bar get mixed in with kitchen items. Susie explains that customers often stack items in unstable piles, which are hard to carry safely. It’s best to leave everything as it is and allow staff to clean up properly.reddit Source: reddit Do: Let servers take care of it
While it’s okay to group a few smaller dishes together, such as appetizer plates, etiquette expert Sokolosky suggests avoiding full-scale bussing. Trained staff are responsible for clearing tables and can do so quickly and efficiently. When customers try to help too much, it can disrupt the flow and even cause slowdowns.reddit Source: reddit Don’t: Put your napkin on top of a dirty plate
Many people still believe placing a napkin over the plate signals the end of a meal, but this is no longer considered appropriate. Sokolosky notes that a used napkin may contain food or sauce remnants that could stain a server’s hands during cleanup. Modern etiquette discourages this habit as both outdated and potentially messy.reddit Source: reddit Do: Put your napkin next to the plate
To let your server know you’re finished eating, simply fold your napkin and place it on the table beside your plate. This method avoids mess and clearly indicates you’re done, all while following up-to-date etiquette.reddit Source: reddit Don’t: Seat yourself immediately
Grace T., a hostess in Houston, says some customers ignore signage and seat themselves, even when there’s a host stand. Though well-meaning, this disrupts the flow of service. In hosted restaurants, seating arrangements help evenly distribute guests among the staff. Skipping the host can unbalance service sections and cause delays, so it’s best to wait to be seated as instructed.reddit Source: reddit Do: Wait to be seated
Good dining manners include waiting to be shown to your table and checking with staff before switching seats. Respecting these rules helps maintain an organized and efficient dining atmosphere, especially in restaurants that use assigned seating.reddit Source: reddit Don’t: Order from another server
If your designated server is occupied, it may be tempting to ask another server for help, but Sokolosky warns this can lead to confusion, especially when it’s time to tally the bill. Each server has assigned tables, and sharing tasks between them can disrupt the flow of service and cause billing issues. It’s more considerate to wait for your own server when requesting additional items.unsplash Source: unsplash Do: Ask them to call your original server
A polite way to handle a busy server situation is to ask another staff member to let your server know you need assistance. This approach avoids disrupting workflows and ensures your original server stays informed, preventing any confusion when settling the check.unsplash Source: unsplash Don’t: Explain normal things to waitstaff
Katie P., a server in Berkeley working her way through a PhD program, has experienced customers making demeaning assumptions about her intelligence due to her job. Some have lectured her on basic facts or tried to explain her own culture to her—often inaccurately. Her story is a reminder not to judge people based on their profession and to always treat service workers with dignity and respect.unsplash Source: unsplash Do: Be more respectful
It’s important to avoid forming opinions about people based on what they do for a living. Making assumptions can lead to unfair treatment and misunderstandings. Additionally, steer clear of sensitive or personal topics during meals—respecting everyone’s background creates a more pleasant dining environment for all.unsplash Source: unsplash Don’t: Lift things off the tray
Watching a server skillfully balance a tray might tempt some guests to jump in and assist, but Alexander cautions against this. Grabbing items or touching the tray can throw off their balance and cause accidents. Whether you’re at a full-service restaurant or a fast-food counter, it’s best to let the professionals handle the load themselves.unsplash Source: unsplash Do: Help by moving items out of the way
Instead of reaching for food or drinks, you can help your server by making room on the table. Clearing personal items or shifting things around allows them to set plates down with ease, making their job smoother without interfering.unsplash Source: unsplash Don’t: Be silent if there’s a problem
While it’s impolite to nitpick everything, staying silent when there’s a serious problem with your meal isn’t helpful either. Katie explains that some customers are hesitant to complain, worried about being labeled rude—but this can lead to someone eating something they can’t or shouldn’t. Speaking up calmly and clearly allows servers to correct issues and deliver the quality service you deserve.reddit Source: reddit Do: Speak up if you have a concern
If there’s an issue with your food or service, bring it up with kindness and clarity. Respectful communication ensures your concern gets addressed properly and helps foster a positive relationship between you and the restaurant staff.unsplash Source: unsplash Don’t: Clean up after an accident
If you spill a drink and a glass breaks, you may want to jump in and clean up—but doing so isn’t recommended. Broken glass can be dangerous, and staff are equipped with the proper tools to clean it safely. The best thing you can do is alert someone right away and let them take care of the mess.reddit Source: reddit Do: Apologize and let them handle it
When accidents happen, let the staff handle the cleanup. Trying to manage it yourself may put you at risk and complicate things. Offering a polite apology and acknowledging the mishap is enough. If you’re interested in learning more about courtesy, exploring commonly used polite phrases is a great next step.unsplash Source: unsplash Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
Source: readers digest, reddit, Cover Photo: Pixabay
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