When dining out, most couples anticipate a delightful experience, especially if itโs a special occasion.
However, for Makenzie and Steven Shultz, their anniversary dinner at a sushi restaurant was anything but.
The Iowa couple faced incredibly slow service, waiting 20 minutes just for water and over an hour for their main course.
Observing the surrounding tables, they noticed they werenโt the only ones frustrated with the service.
But instead of expressing their dissatisfaction in the usual manner, the Shultzes took an unexpected approach.
They left their waiter a generous tip accompanied by a heartfelt note on the receipt.
mgsrc caption=โPixabay/LEEROY Agencyโ link=โhttps://pixabay.com/photos/bar-lounge-cocktail-alcohol-glass-498420/โ]
[/imgsrc]
This act of kindness quickly gained traction online, resonating with many.
Makenzie took to Facebook to share their experience, stating, โOur service tonight suckedโฆ Yeah, it was pretty terrible.โ
However, rather than placing the blame on their waiter, the couple observed his situation.
They noticed he was managing more tables than one person could reasonably handle, all while maintaining a positive attitude.
It was evident to them that the real issue was the restaurant being understaffed.
The Shultzes could empathize with the waiterโs predicament.
Both had previously worked as servers and understood the challenges of the job.
Makenzie recalled their past, sharing with TODAY.com:
โAs I sat there and watched him run back & forthโฆ I said to Stevenโฆ Wow, this used to be us. Waiting tables. I donโt miss it at all and I never loved that job. I did it for the tips.โ
While many might leave a meager tip after a less-than-stellar dining experience, the Shultzes chose to uplift their overburdened waiter.
Their bill totaled $66.65, but they decided to leave an additional $100 tip.
Alongside this generous gesture, they penned a note on the receipt that read:
โWeโve both been in your shoes. Paying it forward. :)โ
Makenzieโs Facebook post not only narrated their evening but also showcased a photo of the receipt.
However, she clarified that her intention wasnโt to seek praise.
Instead, she wanted to remind people to consider the broader context before passing judgment and always to remember their roots.
The coupleโs compassionate act struck a chord with the online community.
Makenzieโs post garnered over 1.8 million likes, with many commending their thoughtfulness.
One user commented:
โYou guys rock. Putting yourself in someone elseโs shoes can add some much-needed perspective. Well done. Superb example. Be kind โค.โ
Another added:
โThank you, we all need to be reminded regularly to look at the big picture!โ
In a world quick to criticize, the Shultzesโ story is a poignant reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding.
Sometimes, stepping into anotherโs shoes is essential to grasp the full picture.
Itโs a great reminder that we should always put ourselves in otherโs shoes because sometimes we donโt know the whole story.
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
