Dating.... and dining room?

disaster or a really good fit?

Now, I have on rare occasion been asked out by someone sitting at my table. There's usually liquid courage and social lubrication involved. But, I have been. I have gone once maybe twice in eleven years. But, that's beside the point and not that important if you think about it. They come into your restaurant once. It either works or you've made him tip you a ridiculous tip plus the added benefit of a drink or two or a meal.

My question is this how do people who work in restaurants feel about dating other coworkers? Now, realistically and traditionally that's really how people meet. I'm not one for online dating just yet. Haven't really seen an Eharmony commercial that makes me think 'that's the ticket'. And considering the fact that your first boyfriend or girlfriend was most likely met in highschool while you were essentially doing a job. People always have stories of meeting in college or work and how that worked well for them.

I do have a bad habit of getting somewhat involved with cooks. I tend to be on the practical side these days. I'm not nineteen years old anymore driving to the next county with my line cook for a bottle of tequila at two in the morning. But, I wonder if it ever works out. Or ends up one or both of you switching dining rooms when said relationship crashes and burns.

Now, realistically those of us in this business who have no plans to become kindergarten teachers or bank tellers any time soon really should find someone within the same lifestyle. I've tried dating 'nine to five' guys. Somehow restaurant life just doesn't work that well. My busy times are on the weekends. My days off are when everyone elses week is just beginning. I stay up until some people are waking up in the morning. So, hardly suprisingly when that doesn't work with your life.

But, how practical is it to try to start let alone maintain any kind of relationship in the goldfish bowl that is a restaurant. Let's face it. Restaurant people are social animals. We need to talk. To our tables to each other about our tables about each other. I have had more than one harmless flirtation turned into a complete monster by wagging tongues.

So, when my pantry girl points out that the new white coat thinks i'm cute and by the way they're going over to the bar after work and if i'm over the guy that he replaced by the way.. (I was never dating in the first place. But, she assumes that because he's not around then why the hell not try to set me up with new White Coat)OH, and there he is peeking behind the corner.. now, that's a turn off. Grown man can't ask me himself. My first response is to laugh it off and tell her to mind her own business and make a joke about her dried up sex life. My second one is.... am I a glutton for punishment? Do I really want the whispers, innuendos, not to mention stress of even remotely involving myself with a coworker who's going to see me when i'm not at my best with my first date heels on?

Or am I just going to pass. But, the question is. Does it ever really work? Or are all restaurant people doomed to fall for firemen and accountants? Answers please. I'm curious.