Tell a human.

I’m sitting in Cafe Patachou’s flagship, the first location opened by local celebrity restaurateur Martha Hoover, when I see this notice posted in the middle of the menu:

I think (and remark to my tablemates) that this simple message is a stroke of genius, from both a marketing perspective and simple, common sense. Too often people pick up their smartphones and take to social media to express displeasure when the straightest line between a problem and the solution might be simply talking to someone.

I also see a similar issue with general communication: someone might send an email or text message – both wildly open to misinterpretation – instead of talking, either on the phone or in person. Direct, open communication can often avoid an issue escalating unnecessarily or correct it all together.

Let’s make a pact, shall we? Less texting and posting and emailing, and more talking.