DEAR ABBY: Would you settle a small disagreement? When we are being seated in a restaurant, my husband thanks the maitre d', the server when he is handed the menu and again when his order is taken.
He also thanks the server when his meal arrives at the table, when his iced tea is served, when it is refilled and when the bill is handed to him. As we are on our way out, he again thanks the maitre d' or hostess. Isn't this overdoing a good thing? -- SUFFERING IN SILENCE
DEAR SUFFERING: I don't think so. Your husband was taught to verbally express his appreciation when something is done for him. He takes nothing for granted. And that is an admirable trait, not something to complain about.