It’s fun to meet friends for lunch or a drink at the end of the work day, but it’s not fun to scream the conversation because the music is loud enough for a rock concert at a stadium. I typically will ask the server to lower the music and I get that “deer in the headlights” look, as if she’s never gotten that request before. Half the time they just ignore me, and ask me if I want another drink. Great customer service, huh?
I thought it was just me and my obsession with “quiet,” but I’m not the only one who has been resorting to reading lips or just smiling and nodding when I don’t have a clue what people are saying.
Of course, I did some research on this subject, and discovered that there is a reason why the music at certain establishments is played at a very high volume. Management thinks the music will create an energetic atmosphere.
I definitely use more energy trying to yell to whomever I am with so they could hear me. By the end of the meeting I have given myself a headache and laryngitis.
By the way, hard surfaces like concrete flooring, chairs with no fabric, bare tables and no sound-absorbing surfaces on the walls and ceilings accentuate the loud, echoing sounds. which makes the patrons drink more. This is not a secret so, again, the interior decor validates their intentions.
Instead of coupons for a twofer, maybe they should offer specials on hearing tests, and with those pretzels and nuts, a bowl of colorful ear plugs to match your outfit would be great.
This soapbox was originally published in 2013, but it seems like only yesterday. Obviously no one is listening to my suggestions because the music seems to be getting louder, the venues are getting extremely crowded and I’m finding it more difficult to know what people are saying. A solution might be to communicate via text at our next get together! Ah, technology to the rescue!
