So I'm at work this evening, the second half of my split shift. I have been a server at a few restaurants, some big some small. Currently I work at my small towns most popular sports bar. But no one cares about the history. I'm at work this evening and it was anticipated to be a very busy night. My section is 10 tables both inside and out on the patio. And it takes a good 2 minutes to walk back to the kitchen. So I get 5 tables at the same time. This story reguards table #4. Not only did I spill a very large dinner tray of drinks all over myself in frony of all 5 tables ( thankfully it was just water, and it was hot, so it kinda felt good) But I'm so embarrassed, that I just immediately jump up and take my unscathed coffee carafe to table 4 and take their order. They were not impressed, A sweet woman with her husband ,,, and their daughter. It was the mother's birthday mind You. I forgot the daughters mashed potato side with the meal, and so I run back up to get it with a fresh carafe of water and her birthday gift certificate and drop them off. then I got so busy I wasn't able to check on them untill it was time for the bill, father hands it to me and thanks me, I run the cash, grab some salads and drinks for another 2 tables, and hit all 3 at once, drop drop drop. As I do I notice the daughters potatoes are the only dish left on the table, so I ask if they were unplesant. " they were cold and discusting, we were out of water for so long, we had no creamer for my coffee and the service was horrible because we waited forever" I look to the mother and ( I hide uncomfort by slight humor and sarcasm) Say" well this was just a pleasant birthday present I suppose" "No it wasnt, daughter says," it was terrible" I reply I can guarantee that next time will be more sufficient" There will be no next time she says. And I'm at a loss. So I apolagise and walk away. I may not be the best server, but I work very hard, very hard to do my best as well as be a plesant company. And I've been scorned before, but as I'm standing there soaked in water and embarrassment, it hurt. Am I not as good as I believe, did I cost my company business? Will she leave a review online, will she call my boss. And she then proceeds to tell 2 other servers how horrible I was and they told my floor manager before I could. In all it was a horrible day and I'm up all night tonight crying because she got me good. And it's such a small town, I'll see her somewhere soon. And her poor mother, I feel for her, it was a bad day for me, but it was just sooo busy and I tried so hard. She just made me feel worthless and incompetent. I own up to the fact that I could have done better. I hope this daughters daughter becomes a server someday, I just wish people would look up from their tables and see how busy it is and try to understand that we may know we are floundering, and be a bit more uncinnical