Going out for irritation? I'd rather not.

It has been a weird couple of weeks, and a few irritating moments havecome my way, so I have decided to put together a list of a few things that get on my nerves.

In the best interest of brevity, I'm deciding to limit this topic to just restaurants and fast food establishments. Also, they are in no particular order.

1. Wasting resources -- If I'm picking a burger and side salad up from a fast food restaurant, I don't need a second bag for the salad. Yes, I know you shouldn't mix hot and cold foods together, but since I'm going to be eating the food a few minutes later, put it all in one bag. Nobody needs a gallon-sized bag for a small side salad.

2. Bad preparation -- I hate it when I order a cheeseburger or want cheese on my chicken sandwich, then find the cheese only halfway on. I know there is the need to get food out fast, but take the extra half-second to make sure the cheese, along with the lettuce, onions and whatever else I want, is actually on the sandwich. There is nothing worse than trying to get cheese that is half-melted back on the rest of the sandwich.

3. Ignoring the customers -- This is more toward buffets. I understand the workers are busy bussing tables and seating other customers, but is it too much to ask to have the server come by sometime before I am about to leave to provide me a refill? Typically at a buffet, the drink glasses are so small, that a big guy like me goes through it in no time, especially with the ice filled to the top before the liquid goes in most of the time.

4. Bad attitudes -- Remember the phrase "the customer is always right." This should always apply. If my family or I would like more rolls, chips or whatever the item that is given freely before orders are taken, just bring them without rolling your eyes or acting like it is a hassle. This and complaint No. 3 are two of the biggest things for me which has an effect on how well I'll tip. Everyone orders something, so I know full well that kitchens get backed up, especially when the place is packed. But these other little "amenities" are what makes the dining experience enjoyable. That and having a waiter or waitress who is just a little sociable, even on a hectic night.

5. Being rushed -- If I'm out to a nice lunch or dinner with my family, more often than not, we're not in a hurry to get in and out. It doesn't matter to me that there may be a line at the door of people waiting to be seated, I'm going to take my time and eat my food, rather than shoveling it in. I'm courteous enough to not hang around for 20 or 30 minutes after my meal is done in that situation, but don't try to push me out the door by doing things like bringing the check before the main portion of the meal arrives.

None of these are really major complaints, but they seem to happen enough to get on my bad side a bit.

Trust me, a little effort and courtesy for the people willing to spend their hard-earned money in your establishment goes a long way.