Why do people sit where they sit?

Strattos wrote:Again, thanks for any answers you might have and for reading. I think this would make a fascinating study and I would be willing to take any notes for any one that may find relevant answer or answer any questions you may have in order to get an idea about the psychology for this vexing question. I also know several servers that would happily take notes since we all experience the same issue.

And it seems a widespread effect, there's lots of serving blogs complaining about it.

I guess if you wanted to do a study you could observe the amount of dirtiness on a table, both by number of previous diners at that table (e.g. what if there are just the remains of someone dining solo, is that still attractive?) and by amount of dirt (are just a few coffee cups as attractive to customers as lots of dirty plates?).

For myself at least, I often choose a table that's still needing to be bused if not intending to eat there and am just waiting for my order for take-out. Why dirty a clean table if not gonna actually make real use of it like.

Strattos wrote: You, apparently, didn't read the post. I read the same study you're speaking about, long ago.

I always sit facing the door, some always sit with their back to the door. Go figure! The question is why, at identical tables, do they sit at the dirty one? Pretty simple. Thanks for trying.

I sincerely doubt that ALL of the tables are EXACTLY equidistant from both the door, toilets, any noisy kitchen, air conditioning and other tables with people sitting on them. Hence my response that although you might view them as the "same" they are probably actually not and that people probably choose the table they are going to feel safest at. There is never anything exactly equal about anything.

I've also noticed this tendency of humans to sit on dirty tables.

IMO opinion it simply comes down to this. ------> People want what other people have. So if a table is dirty, that means it was desired, therefore it's "good".

I find it highly annoying as well. I work in a place that is a bit more casual, very busy, and not kiss ass. If someone sits on a dirty table and complains it's dirty I say, "Why don't you sit at the CLEAN table over there?" I point, most people move. If they refuse, I hand them a clean rag to wipe the damn table themselves. LOL. People are so stupid.

Alright, I’ll try to explain it the best way possible. There are 6 tables, each are 2 tops that are all positioned next to large windows. We have the cool blinds that let us obstruct the view by lowering the bottom or top. We, almost always, keep the view obstructed. The view is a parking lot. When we obstruct the view, of the lot, all you can see is the sky.

That said, there is really no difference between each table. Sure, one is closer to a piece of artwork but doesn’t seem to matter. It’s almost always the dirty table that is chosen. I’ve, currently been choosing a random table to “make dirty” before I open. I don’t have any results yet but I will certainly update the post. Furthermore, I’ll provide a floor-plan.

My best guess is that people just don’t pay attention. We have several signs that state NO CELL PHONES. One of those signs is located at the handle of the front door, a place everyone sees. People still use their phones at the loudest possible volume. The owner, much to my objection, decided to put signs on the tables. No affect.

None-the-less, this will be an interesting study. Providing you with the information and getting ideas from you will be fun.

-- Tue May 07, 2013 5:41 pm --

exquisitecorpse wrote:I've also noticed this tendency of humans to sit on dirty tables.

IMO opinion it simply comes down to this. ------> People want what other people have. So if a table is dirty, that means it was desired, therefore it's "good".

I find it highly annoying as well. I work in a place that is a bit more casual, very busy, and not kiss ass. If someone sits on a dirty table and complains it's dirty I say, "Why don't you sit at the CLEAN table over there?" I point, most people move. If they refuse, I hand them a clean rag to wipe the damn table themselves. LOL. People are so stupid.

Lol, I don't go as far as that but I know what you mean. I really don't mind people choosing a dirty table because I have to clean it anyway but it's the fact they sit at a really f'd table in the first place.

HesDeltanCaptain wrote:For myself at least, I often choose a table that's still needing to be bused if not intending to eat there and am just waiting for my order for take-out. Why dirty a clean table if not gonna actually make real use of it like.

You're one of the few good people that we deal with. This is a very good example of when sitting at a dirty table is acceptable.

-- Tue May 07, 2013 6:04 pm --

HesDeltanCaptain wrote:For myself at least, I often choose a table that's still needing to be bused if not intending to eat there and am just waiting for my order for take-out. Why dirty a clean table if not gonna actually make real use of it like.

You're one of the few good people that we deal with. This is a very good example of when sitting at a dirty table is acceptable.

-- Tue May 07, 2013 6:08 pm --

salted lipstick wrote:

Strattos wrote: You, apparently, didn't read the post. I read the same study you're speaking about, long ago.

I always sit facing the door, some always sit with their back to the door. Go figure! The question is why, at identical tables, do they sit at the dirty one? Pretty simple. Thanks for trying.

I sincerely doubt that ALL of the tables are EXACTLY equidistant from both the door, toilets, any noisy kitchen, air conditioning and other tables with people sitting on them. Hence my response that although you might view them as the "same" they are probably actually not and that people probably choose the table they are going to feel safest at. There is never anything exactly equal about anything.

Next time I'm at work I will provide you with the measurements you require. While I don't think you grasp the concept, I hope to make it clear to you with my study.