Being indecisive at a restaurant is generally not considered rude or mean, but it can be perceived as a bit challenging for the servers or the people you are dining with. Indecisiveness might lead to taking more time to make choices, which can cause delays in placing orders and slow down the dining experience for everyone involved.
It's essential to remember that people have different personalities and preferences, and some individuals naturally take longer to make decisions, especially when faced with various options on a restaurant menu. It's not inherently rude or mean to be indecisive, but being aware of your tendencies and taking steps to minimize any inconvenience for others is considerate.
Here are some tips to handle indecisiveness at a restaurant politely:
Ask for more time: If you're not ready to order, politely ask the server for a few more minutes to decide.
Narrow down choices: If you are struggling with too many options, ask the server for recommendations or suggestions to help you narrow down your choices.
Be considerate of the group: If you are dining with others, try to be mindful of their time and avoid excessively prolonging the decision-making process. If needed, consider making a decision and trusting the person's recommendation or opting for something you typically enjoy.
Practice decision-making: If indecisiveness is something you struggle with, consider practicing making decisions in everyday situations to become more comfortable with it.
Seek assistance from others: If you are genuinely torn between options, ask your dining companions for their opinions, especially if they've been to the restaurant before.
Remember that it's entirely normal to take some time to make a decision at a restaurant, and most servers are used to handling various types of guests. Being polite and communicative with your server and dining companions can help ensure a pleasant dining experience for everyone involved.