Going out to eat should be a pretty simple experience. You sit down, order your food, and enjoy your meal. Behind the scenes, though, servers are usually keeping track of several tables, checking on orders, answering questions, and trying to keep everything moving.

Most customers aren’t trying to make a server’s job harder. Still, some habits can create extra work or frustration, especially during a busy shift.

Here are 15 things diners do that restaurant servers wish they’d stop doing.

Not Being Ready to Order

There’s nothing wrong with needing a little extra time to decide. The problem is calling your server over before you’re ready and then asking for several more minutes.

If you know you need more time, let your server know when they first stop by. That way, they can check on another table and come back when you’re ready.

Ignoring the Server

A server shouldn’t have to wonder whether you’ve heard them when they come over to greet your table. You don’t have to stop your conversation, but a quick “hi” or nod lets them know you’re aware they’re there.

That small bit of acknowledgment can make the interaction feel much more pleasant.

Talking on the Phone While Ordering

Trying to place an order while talking on the phone makes things harder than they need to be. Your server may have to repeat questions, and there’s a greater chance something will be entered incorrectly.

If possible, put the phone down for the minute or two it takes to order. You’ll both get through it much faster.

Snapping Fingers or Waving Aggressively

Snapping your fingers at a server is one of those habits that can come across as rude very quickly. Clapping or waving wildly across the dining room isn’t much better.

Servers are usually keeping an eye on several tables. If you need something, making eye contact or giving a small wave is enough.

Arriving Right Before Closing

If a restaurant closes at 10 p.m., walking through the door at 9:59 isn’t likely to make you popular with the staff.

The restaurant may still seat you, but the kitchen and servers may already be cleaning up and getting ready to leave. Arriving a little earlier gives everyone more time to serve you without turning the end of the shift into a rush.

Asking for Items One at a Time

First you need extra napkins. Then you remember the ketchup. A few minutes later, you need another glass of water.

It happens, but making several small requests one after another means your server has to keep making trips to the same table. If you already know you’ll need something, ask for it along with the other items.

Constantly Changing Your Order

Changing an order before it reaches the kitchen usually isn’t a big deal. Changing it several times after it’s already been entered can create confusion.

If you’re unsure about an ingredient or want to make a special request, take a moment before placing the order. Once it’s been sent to the kitchen, changes can mean delays or a completely new order.

Leaving an Excessive Mess

A few crumbs or spilled drinks are part of working in a restaurant. Servers know tables won’t always be spotless.

But leaving food scattered across the table, stuffing used napkins into glasses, or dropping trash on the floor creates extra cleanup. A little effort to keep your mess contained makes a difference, especially during a busy shift.

Letting Kids Run Around

Restaurants aren’t the safest place for children to run around. Servers are carrying hot plates, drinks, and sometimes sharp utensils through crowded spaces.

Keeping kids at the table helps prevent accidents and makes things easier for everyone nearby. Kids can still have fun at dinner without turning the dining room into a playground.

Grabbing Items From the Server’s Tray

When a server is carrying a full tray, reaching for something before it gets to the table can throw off the balance. A drink or plate can easily end up on the floor.

It may only take a few seconds, but waiting for the server to set everything down is much safer.

Blaming the Server for Kitchen Issues

If your steak is overcooked or your order comes out missing an ingredient, there’s a good chance the server had nothing to do with it.

Tell them what’s wrong and give them a chance to fix it. Getting angry at the person bringing your food won’t make the kitchen work any faster.

Asking for Separate Checks at the End

Large groups can make splitting a bill complicated, especially when everyone has ordered different things.

If you know you’ll need separate checks, tell your server before the meal is over. A little advance notice gives them time to sort everything out instead of trying to figure it out while other tables are waiting.

Changing Tables After Being Seated

Restaurants usually have a reason for assigning tables. Servers may be working sections, reservations may be coming in, or certain tables may already be needed for larger groups.

If you really want a different table, ask before sitting down. Moving around after you’ve been seated can throw off the restaurant’s seating plan.

Lingering During Busy Hours

Finishing your meal and staying to chat for a while isn’t usually a problem when the restaurant has plenty of open tables. It can be different when there’s a line of people waiting to be seated.

Servers often depend on table turnover, particularly during busy periods. If you’ve finished eating and know there’s a long wait outside, moving the conversation elsewhere can free up the table for another group.

Expecting Immediate Attention at All Times

Your server may not be able to get to you the second you ask for something. During a dinner rush, they could be taking an order, carrying food, helping another table, or dealing with a problem in the kitchen.

That doesn’t mean they’ve forgotten about you. Give them a moment, and they’ll usually get there. A little patience can make a hectic dinner shift much easier for everyone.