What's on the Menu?

QUESTION: Hi, guys, I just started waiting tables about a month ago and already two men have left their phone numbers for me.

One guy was nice looking but not really my type. The other was great looking and friendly. But I can't help but wonder is it worth is to call him?

Should I suspect that he does this frequently? Do men do this often?

Signed, Waiting to Call-

CHUCK: You, my dear, whether you were aware of it or not, have entered into a profession that is in the Top Ten of Most Macked-On. Others include Retail Clerk, Receptionist, and, um, Stripper?

Anyway, when a guy goes out to eat, whether he's with his boys or not, and he's confronted with an attractive young lady showing him attention, he may decide to take his game out for a walk and hit on his server. This may be done out of sincere attraction, or boredom, or to play the percentages. Either way, if you're going to be waiting tables for a while, you should get used to being hit on. It should all be harmless.

As to whether you should call either of these guys, it depends on what you're looking for. If you're looking for a companion for the short-term, someone to go to movies and have a few laughs with, you'll probably be lucky. If you're looking for the father of your future children, you're less likely to be successful.

I don't want to generalize too much, but either one or both of these gentlemen may be looking for nothing more than a booty call. So I would exercise caution if you choose to entertain these potential suitors. Because if you should encounter some nut, you might not know where to find him, but he'll know where to find you.

So, relax, have fun, and be careful. And if Garland and I ever swing by, maybe you could hook us up with a meal. Whaddaya think?

GARLAND: Hello, and thanks for the question! Let's see - NO, all guys don't do the number drop off. But a lot do.

Assuming that you are an attractive and friendly woman, it's safe to say that you might as well get a glass jar to keep the phone numbers of many of your male customers. Waitresses are unique people - if a guy likes to go to the same spot over and over for dinner or lunch, it might not hurt to get friendly with your server. So, there might be a tiny bit of alterior motive there - so approach this situation carefully.

Personally, I think the phone number drop off is a soft and safe approach. Chances are, the guys didn't have to say too much to you, beyond a "Holler at me sometime..." or a "Gimme' a shout this weekend..." Nine times out of ten, the best you can probably expect with this approach is a few trips to the movies, a few trips to the club, maybe a dinner or two and probably some 'lights out' action if you are down for it. I think Chuck called it playing the percentages, that's a safe bet - a guy gives his number to 8 or 10 women a week, it stands to reason that at least 1 or 2 will call him back.

So, if you are cool with a few dates and a little hanging out, I say call him [or them] back and see what's what. Now, if you're looking for a REAL relationship, something long term and loving, I think you may want to hold off on calling these guys back. If they're really feeling you and wanting to set a good example, they'll be back at your job. They'll give you a better presentation of who they are, and you'll know what's what.

By the way, I recommend you use *(star) 67 when you call them. Just incase they're nuts, they won't have YOUR NUMBER. Be safe and maybe drop us a line and let us know what you decide.