When a Man Shamed His ‘Smart’ Girlfriend at Dinner, I Couldn’t Stay Silent

A Man in Our Restaurant Shamed His Girlfriend for Being ‘Smart’ & Corrected Her Every Word – So, I Stepped In

I work as a waiter, and I’ve heard our international menu mispronounced a lot. But I had to say something when I heard Andrew “correcting” his fiancée Amanda’s impeccable Mandarin, German, and Italian.

I was always alert during the Friday night rush at Flavors of the World restaurant. I like the commotion, the sound of glasses clinking, and the buzz of conversation while I worked as a waitress.

However, I found the most enjoyment in listening to our customers speak a variety of languages while they placed orders from our global menu.

I was very interested in Amanda and Andrew as a pair. They were regulars; they always came in on Fridays.

Amanda had a kind manner and sparkling eyes. Her language skills never failed to amaze me.

She would place dish orders in the languages that they spoke, whether it was Mandarin, Spanish, Italian, or German, and her pronunciation was impeccable.

Amanda said, “Buonasera [Good evening],” to me one evening. “Potrei avere gli gnocchi alla sorrentina, per favore [could I have the gnocchi alla sorrentina, please]?”

I grinned, enjoying her perfect Italian. Certainly, ma’am. The last choice [Yes, ma’am. Fantastic decision]!”

But Andrew was a different matter entirely. He was tall and conventionally attractive, exuding a superiority that made my teeth tense.

He would interrupt Amanda every time she talked, “correcting” her pronunciations with his own distorted renditions.

“It’s not ‘nyocky,'” he would scoff. It’s ‘guh-nocky.’ You sound absurd, Amanda, to be honest.”

I would bite my tongue to avoid being impolite and potentially leaving a smaller tip.

At his remarks, Amanda would always wince a little. “I apologize to Andrew. I considered – “

“No, you didn’t think,” he interrupted her. “Just order like a normal person next time, okay?”

Week after week, this pattern persisted. No matter what language the food was originally from, Amanda would order it flawlessly, and Andrew would minimize her efforts.

One evening, Amanda said in perfect German, “Ich hätte gerne das Wiener Schnitzel, bitte [I would like the Wiener Schnitzel, please].”

Andrew mockingly said, “It’s ‘weiner snitchel,’ Amanda,” making fun of the moniker of the traditional Austrian meal. “Stop trying to sound fancy.”

Every week that went by, I saw Amanda’s confidence ebbing away, and it hurt my feelings to see someone with such talent and passion suppressed.

For some reason, this Friday stood out from the others.

A tight smile appeared on Amanda’s face as she and Andrew entered. But I understood why very fast.

An older couple I had never seen before followed them, although it was obvious they were related. The parents of Andrew.

I carried a notepad over to their table. “Good evening to all of you. What’s in store for you tonight?”

Amanda looked at Andrew, then back at the menu, and then she spoke quietly. “I’ll have the pho ga, please.”

“‘Foe guh,’ Amanda says. God, do you have to always be so conceited?”

Amanda’s face turned red. “I’m sorry, I just –”

Andrew interrupted, addressing his parents, saying, “Don’t mind her.” “She thinks she’s so smart, always showing off.”

His mother gave him a pitying tut. She addressed Amanda, saying, “Oh, honey, are you always such a bragger? Are you unable to talk normally?

I felt my knuckles getting whiter as I tightened my grasp on my pen. Amanda gave off the impression of wanting to vanish.

Though he whispered loudly enough for me to hear, Andrew leaned into her ear. “Quit making fun of me. Speak in a typical manner.”

I realized I could no longer watch as tears filled Amanda’s eyes.

I said, “Nín hƔo [Hello],” to Andrew in Mandarin. “Qǐng bùyào rúcǐ cūlǔ de duìdài nín de nǚpéngyǒu [Please do not treat your girlfriend so rudely].”

Andrew was astounded. Amanda’s head snapped up, her eyes now filled with amazement instead of hurt.

“Xièxiè nĐ [Thank you],” was Amanda’s elegant Mandarin response. “Zhè duì wǒ yìyì zhòngdà [This means a lot to me].”

Andrew’s parents looked at one other, confused. He insisted, “What’s going on?” “What are you saying?”

“Oh, I was simply requesting that you not be so harsh with your girlfriend. And Amanda was stating how much it means to her and thanking me,” I replied politely.

He said, “I don’t believe you!” to me. “You’re fabricating that. You’re making fun of us!”

His father interrupted, saying, “Son, maybe you should -“

“No!” Andrew forcefully hit the table with his hand. “She is not telling the truth. She must be. “What did Amanda say?”

Amanda’s eyes gleamed as she straightened her posture. There had been a change. Andrew, she’s not lying. And when I accurately enunciate things in other languages, I’m not either.”

“But… but I thought…” Andrew gasped.

“You were mistaken,” Amanda firmly corrected. “I’ve studied languages for years. It is not improper nor humiliating to do anything just because you are ignorant of it.”

“So what, are you now a genius? Is that your statement?

“No,” Amanda answered. “I’m merely a language enthusiast who has put a lot of effort into learning them. Nothing is wrong with that.

With obvious embarrassment at the scene they were creating, Andrew’s mother interrupted. Don’t you think it’s a little… too much, sweetie? Is this how you always flaunt yourself?”

“It’s not showing off to use the skills you’ve worked hard to acquire” Amanda responded. “Would you say the same thing to a musician playing an instrument well?”

“Well, I… that’s different.”

“How?” Amanda posed a challenge. “How is it different?”

The father of Andrew cleared his throat. “Let’s all now settle in. We can definitely do this.

“No, Dad,” intervened Andrew. “Please tell me this. Proceed, Amanda. Tell us about your intelligence.”

I anticipated what would happen as Amanda inhaled deeply. It’s not about boasting or being intelligent here! Respect is at issue. Respect for myself as a person, for various cultures, and for the work others put into learning.”

“Respect?” Andrew snorted. How about showing me respect? Do you have any idea how uncomfortable it is to start speaking incoherently in another language?”

“Embarrassing for whom?” Amanda retaliated quickly. “For you? since you are unable to comprehend it? Have you ever considered the possibility that your response to my speaking other languages may be the real issue instead of mine?

While other patrons observed the spectacle, silence descended upon the restaurant. With discomfort, Andrew’s mother cleared her throat. “Perhaps we should go somewhere else.”

Amanda said, “I think that’s a good idea,” and she got up. “I’m heading home, too. By Himself!” She looked up at me. “I appreciate your generosity. Many thanks. Thank you very much. Many thanks!”

She then turned to leave while putting her head up. I waited, grinning.

Soon afterward, Andrew and his folks walked out, wagging their tails.

The Friday after, I was taken aback when Amanda entered by herself. She appeared lighter, as though a burden had been removed from her shoulders.

I said, “Table for one?”

Grinning, she gave a nod. “Please say yes. And if you have a chance, I’d love to talk.”

After seating her and taking her order, I moved a chair over. “How are you doing?”

Amanda said, “Better than I have in a long time.” “I broke up with Andrew the day after… well, you know.”

I gave a supportive nod. “That must have been tough.”

It was, yet it was liberated as well. It dawned on me that I had been living in constant fear of his judgment. He was in shock when I told him it was ended.

“What did he say?” Curious, I asked.

“‘You’re making a mistake, Amanda,’ he said. Who is going to tolerate your ostentatious actions? Is that really true?” Amanda gave a headshake. “I said to him, ‘Someone who values curiosity and intelligence! Someone who is not like you.”

I smiled. “Well done! How did you feel about that?

“At the same time, terrifying and thrilling,” giggled Amanda. “But what’s interesting? Your involvement helped me recognize how much I had been lowering myself in order to appease him. I had forgotten how much pleasure I had in learning foreign languages and cultures. I would have allowed him to persuade me that it was a cause for shame.”

I answered, “I’m happy I could help.” “No one should make you feel small for being passionate about something.”

Amanda had radiant eyes. “Yes, without a doubt. Furthermore, what do you know? I’ve made the decision to apply for a translation position. I’ve always wanted to do it, but I’ve never had the courage to do it.”

“That’s fantastic!” I let out a cry. “Where are you applying?”

“A global nonprofit organization that assists refugees exists. They require interpreters with fluency in several languages. It fits me perfectly.

I was astounded by Amanda’s transformation as we talked for a while, effortlessly moving between languages. She exuded confidence and excitement simply because I had finally intervened.

Amanda reached out and held my hand when it was time for me to return to work. “Once more, thank you. For everything.”

I gave a quick push back. “Anytime and good luck!”

Sometimes all it takes to restore someone’s faith in themselves is a tiny act of kindness. And all voices ought to be heard, loud and clear, in a world full of diverse languages and cultures.