How should Christians handle gripes?
We decided to treat ourselves and good friends of ours to pizza today.
We went to our favorite pizza place and were excited to get some fellowship time.
Without going into all the details, let’s just say it ended badly. We were not being loud or rude, there was simply a misunderstanding about a special. When we had just started eating our pizza, the owner came out to our table and was extremely rude and passive aggressive and began clearing our table very quickly as we were still sitting there, including our drinks, which we were not done with. When I pulled him aside to speak to him calmly (you know, so my husband wouldn’t strangle him) he refused to look at me and kept trying to push past me. It was horrible!
We left with such a sad feeling, because this was our favorite restaurant. Whenever we have a date night, that’s where we go. Whenever we are celebrating a birthday, that’s where we go. The pizza is awesome, and so are the other entrees. BUT THE OWNER WAS SO BILIGERANT!
We left quietly without making any more fuss, that is AFTER we paid and we tipped our waitress directly and generously, cuz she ROCKED and she felt so badly about the owner’s behavior. But it has stuck with us. How could we have handled things differently? Was I too direct? I don’t think so, and I definitely wasn’t rude. In fact, my 16 year old commented that he was shocked at how angry the owner was, and that he thinks he felt threatened because he wouldn’t give me eye contact. “At least show the person respect.” Gabe said. 
So how should Christians handle gripes like this? He was the owner, not the manager, so I can’t write a letter to the owner. Hubby wants to call and give him a chance to apologize before we do anything else. I think that’s a good plan, although I don’t think he will apologize. Do we complain to the BBB? Do we write to the franchise owner? Or do we just forgive and forget?
I am one of those people who has no trouble sending food back if it is done incorrectly, especially since I have some allergies that I need to watch out for. I am always very pleasant and thank them for their service, but I have no trouble asking for quality when I spend my money. I feel like this is similar. We were paying customers who spend a lot of money throughout the year at that restraunt, and I feel that respect is at least deserved.
I’m having trouble thinking of places where scripture talks about this kind of situation. I know what scripture says about handling gripes between Christians, but this is different.
Wisdom?
Blessings!
Hannah
3 Comments
wow..that’s disappointing..and unbelievable. Do you know of any reason he came over and took everything? It seems odd. I don’t think I would forgive and forget..there’s definitely something that has to be done. I’d probably call..talk to the guy and ask for an explanation. Tell him that you weren’t a one time customer and go there all the time. Ask him why he treated you this way and then if he just blows you off. I’d write to the franchise owner. Something HAS to be done. That is unacceptable, they’re working customer service and with food..that’s ridiculous. I’m curious where you guys went lol..
Hannah,
I’m so sorry to hear about this situation! What a frustrating end to what should have been a great time of fellowship. I can imagine your disappointment and confusion!
I am reminded of the time when David and his men were hidden in the cave and Saul came without realizing they were there. Remember? David *could* have killed the very man who was trying to murder HIM. But he didn’t. He showed Saul mercy. Why?
I think your hubby is right, and I hope you’ll take the effort to seek out the owner on this. You just never know what he was thinking, what was going on in his life, in his heart. Maybe he’d just gotten some really bad news and took it out on you guys. Maybe he was battling a migraine. Maybe…there are infinite possible “maybes.” But I would encourage you to show him mercy, tell him how much you love giving your business to his restaurant, and ask him what you can do to make right whatever happened. Even if it wasn’t your fault, it will show him that you’re sincere and that you don’t desire hostility. My guess, he’ll apologize for being so abrupt and rude, and will go out of his way to make it right himself.
Keep us posted…let us know how this works out!
Pax Domini!
Sarah
I agree with Sarah… completely. Let us know how it turns out. There is something missing in this story…. what was the misunderstanding?
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