[Image credit: aopsan]

Whenever I dine out, the server always pops over to ask how everything tastes right after I take a bite.  Sound familiar?  A few weeks ago, however, my mouth was empty when the owner stopped by my table, at which time I shared my disappointment in two of the food items.  In fact, it was the first time in my life I have ever returned an order I was not happy with.  I explained my dissatisfaction and was told both menu selections would be deducted from my bill.  Although I appreciated the gesture, I was frustrated because the server and the owner became defensive and argumentative, even suggesting I should have eaten at one of their ethnic-chain counterparts.  I wish I could say I had a good comeback on the tip of my tongue at the time, but I was proud I was assertive in the first place.  And who knows, maybe the little things I stand up for now are simply preparing me for something bigger around the corner.

Do you typically speak up, or more often settle in silence?