Subtle Sign things are Changing

One of the little head games I like to play at restaurants is psychologically evaluating the wait staff when the check comes.

My wife and I have both been in situations where were are the only Caucasian and/or male person at the table and have automatically been handed the check when we weren't the person picking up the check. In large groups, this can lead to a socially awkward situation that can easily be resolved with a simple little, "Hey! Do I look rich to you?" and then hiding in the bathroom until the check magically disappears.

However, when it is just the Missus and myself and the waiter or waitress places the check directly in front of me as opposed to the center of the table, I usually respond with a, "Check it out! We're dining in a male chauvinist restaurant! IN YOUR FACE! IN YOUR FACE! GUYS RULE AND GIRLS DROOL!" Yes, I am at that age where I do not tolerate other people behaving like an eight-year-old, but in myself I deem immaturity as an adorable quirk.

Anyway, we prefer to dine in non-chain, family-owned restaurants, so this me-getting-the-check thing happens with frightening regularity. But, as it happens, this past week one of our regular hand-the-guy-the-check places placed the check gently in the center of the table.

"Wow!" I said. "Um... do you want to get it this time?"

"We have a joint checking account and joint credit card, so it doesn't matter."

"Oh yeah. I forgot. So... you're getting the check, right?"

I think 2008 is going to be a great year.