I'm Just Sayin...
We went to a coffee shop with some friends awhile back. The coffee shop has tables that are too small unless lovers share them who don’t consider anything between them much of an obstacle to affection. To give a size comparison, think of a basketball hoop diameter. (Mike helped with that size comparison.) I suppose the thought is that the undersized tables lend themselves to intimate conversation because you must gather around closely. But that is not the effect for me. Maybe if we took table size alone into consideration we’d gather round and speak in hushed tones, but real-sized men (and women) sit at these dainty tables; folks who would like to put their elbows on the table and lean in. It’s a coffee shop for goodness sake, we should get comfortable! Some folks bring paperwork, read the newsparer, write poetry or letters, and need room to spread out. But not on these tables where there is barely room for one paperback and a latte! Forget spreading out. I probably just don’t get it, but I always thought coffee shops were designed, at least in part, for fellowship and fellowship requires some elbow room and table space. Then there is the over stimulation. Over stimulation happens. There is the action with customers coming and going, pieces of overheard conversations floating on the edges and other distracting commotion. Most of us can process only one conversation at a time. I’m rambling, I know. Senseless it must seem. My point? I’m just sayin… "I'll have a regular latte and some elbow room, please."
Comments
I think the business rationale must be "smaller tables, more customers". But this isn't France. We AMericans like our space.
How about Texans -imagine the size of table they would require????
I imagine BIG tables in Texas! I hear things "are bigger and better" in Texas! Ha!
Yep there is a "need" for some elbow room, I assume it's universal, however maybe one gets accustomed to elbow-to-elbow?
We were in Florida once and the restaurant had ONLY big tables to share. I kind of froze for a minute thinking of the spatial and privacy issue... (I actually wanted to bolt!) But we stayed and the experience was fine, pleasant and broadening (especially after dessert!) As far as I know all knees and feet respected their boundries!
There's an uppity restaurant (I mean there WAS) an uppity restaurant in town that had a shared table mentality. It's no longer open.
Seems like I took a little tangent, and maybe sounded like a snob. I like people. I do! I just don't want to feel compelled to be friendly or get to know strangers when I'm trying to enjoy my too expensive meal!