When dining out, most couples anticipate a delightful experience, especially if it’s 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 weren’t 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.
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This act of kindness quickly gained traction online, resonating with many.
Makenzie took to Facebook to share their experience, stating, “Our service tonight sucked… Yeah, it was pretty terrible.”
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 waiter’s predicament.
Both had previously worked as servers and understood the challenges of the job.
Makenzie recalled their past, sharing with TODAY.com:
“As I sat there and watched him run back & forth… I said to Steven… Wow, this used to be us. Waiting tables. I don’t miss it at all and I never loved that job. I did it for the tips.”
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:
“We’ve both been in your shoes. Paying it forward. :)”
Makenzie’s Facebook post not only narrated their evening but also showcased a photo of the receipt.
However, she clarified that her intention wasn’t to seek praise.
Instead, she wanted to remind people to consider the broader context before passing judgment and always to remember their roots.
The couple’s compassionate act struck a chord with the online community.
Makenzie’s post garnered over 1.8 million likes, with many commending their thoughtfulness.
One user commented:
“You guys rock. Putting yourself in someone else’s shoes can add some much-needed perspective. Well done. Superb example. Be kind ❤.”
Another added:
“Thank you, we all need to be reminded regularly to look at the big picture!”
In a world quick to criticize, the Shultzes’ story is a poignant reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding.
Sometimes, stepping into another’s shoes is essential to grasp the full picture.
It’s a great reminder that we should always put ourselves in other’s shoes because sometimes we don’t know the whole story.
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