When it’s not a proper restaurant but a café or casual lunch spot, payment is usually made at the register rather than at the table, right? In that case, where should the woman wait? It feels awkward to stand next to the man while he’s paying at the register, but leaving the restaurant first and waiting outside seems rude too. I often go to the restroom while he’s paying, but I can’t do that every time, so I always end up waiting at an awkward distance while the man pays.
My question may be a little unclear, but I’d appreciate any advice.
Maezawa from the Corporate Planning Office here with an answer as well.
This is a bit of a tricky issue.
Some people say it’s best to wait outside. But if you do, the restaurant door may close behind you—or closing it may simply be standard practice.
In that case, the man might misunderstand and assume the woman has gone to the restroom, so even after finishing the payment, he may continue waiting inside. Then you could end up with the unfortunate situation of both of you waiting for each other—one inside and one outside. Even if you eventually meet up, things might feel awkward.
In this situation, it seems like saying, “I’ll wait outside for you,” before stepping out would solve the problem.
On the other hand, if you wait behind him, the man may feel uncomfortable getting a receipt. And even if he doesn’t need one, it may seem inappropriate to stand where you can watch him make the payment.
You might be able to resolve that by looking away or deliberately turning your gaze elsewhere.
So this may not be a very clear-cut answer, but it seems the important thing is simply not to watch the payment being made.
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I’m Saito, a column writer♪
I think women who shift their position while looking at the menu outside or at the takeout items by the entrance are wonderful…
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I’m BB7, a male member.
Honestly, anywhere is fine, haha.
As long as she says, “Thank you for the meal.”
A relationship where we’re both constantly worrying about each other gets exhausting.
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I’m Flag Maker, a columnist.
I’d handle it exactly the same way as “Confused in Her 60s.”
I try to avoid getting into situations like the one described in the question in the first place, but if it did happen, I think Mac’s response would be perfectly fine.
Whether you actually follow through is another matter, but it seems like the perfect model answer（笑).
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I’m a woman in my 60s, and I’m still figuring things out.
I’ve started to wonder whether there are simply a lot of men who lack consideration...
If a man can’t properly escort you, I think you should just do whatever feels natural based on the situation at the restaurant. There’s no need to worry about it.
When it’s about time to leave, I’ll suggest, “Why don’t you go freshen up your makeup?” and take care of the bill while she’s away.
If that isn’t necessary, I’ll say that I need to use the restroom, pay the bill, and return to the table.
And if we end up getting up together, I’ll tell her where I’d like her to wait, then take care of the bill.
Are there really so few men who can escort a woman without making her feel uncomfortable?
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I’m Meg, a female member.
I’m waiting a little farther away, slightly behind you. I think that’s a good amount of distance between us (*^^*)
P.S. To “Lost in His 60s”
That escort is absolutely perfect! I can reply without hesitation.
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