For a long time, I was baffled by people who cleaned up after themselves at restaurants. You know the type: those individuals who, despite being customers, take it upon themselves to tidy up their table before leaving.

It was a curiosity for me, Lachlan Brown, the founder of Hack Spirit and a keen psychology enthusiast.

I’ve spent significant time observing and studying human behavior, yet these considerate patrons intrigued me.

I’m not just talking about stacking plates or picking up stray napkins. No, these folks go the extra mile – they wipe down tables, return condiments, and even push in their chairs.

Why do they do this? Are they simply polite or is there something more to it? I’ve discovered that these particular individuals often exhibit seven unique behaviors that set them apart.

In this article, I’ll delve into these behaviors. Perhaps they’ll inspire you to look at your own restaurant etiquette in a new light.

So let’s dive in and discover what these commendable habits are and how they reflect on a person’s psychology.

1) Respect for others’ space

The first behavior that struck me was the immense respect these individuals have for others’ space.

As a psychology enthusiast, I’ve always been interested in how people interact with their environment and the people around them.

But it wasn’t until I observed these restaurant neat-freaks that I truly understood the impact of respecting shared spaces.

Cleaning up after oneself in a restaurant isn’t just about tidiness, it’s about acknowledging that this space isn’t just ours – it’s shared with other patrons, waitstaff, and restaurant workers.

These folks are aware that their actions affect others. Their courtesy is a manifestation of empathy, an understanding that their behavior can either contribute to or alleviate the burdens of those around them.

It’s a small act, but it speaks volumes about their character. They’re not just thinking about themselves, but about the community they’re part of.

Respect for others’ space might seem like a minor trait, but in my experience, it’s often indicative of a larger pattern of considerate behavior.

So next time you’re at a restaurant, observe how you leave your table. It might just offer some interesting insights into your own behaviors and attitudes towards communal spaces and respect for others.

2) Consciousness of actions

Another intriguing behavior I’ve noticed is their consciousness of their actions.

I remember a time when I was dining with a friend who always cleans up at restaurants.

Halfway through our meal, I spilled some sauce on the table. Without missing a beat, my friend reached for a napkin and quickly wiped it off.

When I thanked him, he simply shrugged and said, “I’m conscious of my actions and their impact. It’s just how I am.”

This reminded me of a famous quote by Carl Jung: “Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.”

My friend’s action wasn’t just about cleaning up a spill. It was a choice he made consciously, reflecting his values and beliefs.

He didn’t do it out of obligation or because he was told to. He did it because he understood that his actions, no matter how small, have an impact on the world around him.

This consciousness of actions is not just about awareness but also about taking responsibility for our behaviors and their consequences.

So the next time you find yourself in a restaurant, take a moment to consider your actions. Are they conscious choices reflecting your values, or just automatic responses? The answer might surprise you.

3) Self-discipline

One behavior that consistently stands out is self-discipline.

I recall an instance when I was out for lunch with my sister, another one of those who clean up after themselves.

As we finished our meal, she began stacking our empty plates and tidying up the table even though we were running late for a movie.

When I pointed this out, she replied, “Discipline isn’t about what’s convenient. It’s about doing what’s right, even when it’s not easy.”

That moment stuck with me. It wasn’t just about cleaning a table. It was about her commitment to doing the right thing, regardless of the circumstances.

Self-discipline is a strong indicator of character. It shows a willingness to take responsibility and a determination to stick to one’s principles, even in the face of inconvenience.

This level of self-discipline can extend into other areas of life too – work, relationships, personal goals – and often leads to more productive habits and successful outcomes.

So next time you’re in a restaurant and you’re in a hurry, take a moment to clean up after yourself. It might be inconvenient, but it’s also an exercise in self-discipline.

4) Detail-oriented

Interestingly, those who clean up after themselves at restaurants also tend to be detail-oriented.

I once had a colleague who was meticulous about tidying up our lunch table. He would not only stack the plates but also align the cutlery neatly and wipe away any crumbs. I asked him why he paid so much attention to these minor details.

He replied, “I believe that how you do one thing is how you do everything. Paying attention to the small details helps me stay focused and organized in other areas of my life as well.”

His words reminded me of a study conducted by the University of Minnesota which found a link between attention to detail and overall performance at work.

According to the study, individuals who are detail-oriented are more likely to deliver high-quality work and meet their objectives.

The study, titled “Attention to Detail: Implications for Performance and Job Satisfaction”, was published in the Journal of Applied Psychology in 2015.

So, if you’ve ever found yourself painstakingly arranging your table after a meal, take it as a compliment. Your attention to detail could be a sign of your high standards and dedication to quality in all aspects of your life.

5) High emotional intelligence

Another trait that seems prevalent among those who clean up after themselves is high emotional intelligence.

I remember a dinner with a friend who always insists on leaving the table spotless.

I asked him why he took the trouble to do so, and he said, “I think about the waiter who has to clean up after us. It’s a small thing I can do to make their job a little easier.”

His response reflected a high level of emotional intelligence – the ability to understand and manage not only his own emotions but also empathize with others.

Emotionally intelligent people are often considerate, kind, and understanding. They’re aware of their own actions and how they affect those around them.

So, if you’re someone who takes the time to clean up at a restaurant, it’s likely you have a high degree of emotional intelligence.

This trait is not only beneficial in personal relationships but can also be a powerful asset in your professional life.

6) Demonstrated responsibility

An undeniable characteristic I’ve noticed is a strong sense of responsibility.

Not too long ago, I was dining with a friend who has a habit of cleaning up after herself.

She accidentally knocked over her water glass, and before I could react, she had already flagged down a waiter, apologized profusely, and begun mopping up the spill with her napkin.

She said something that day that stuck with me: “If you’re responsible enough to create a mess, you’re responsible enough to clean it up.”

This reminded me of a quote from renowned psychologist Jordan Peterson: “If you cannot bring peace to your household, how dare you try to rule a city?” In other words, personal responsibility begins at the smallest levels and extends outward.

Taking responsibility for one’s actions, even when it’s as small as cleaning up at a restaurant, is a sign of maturity and respect for others. It shows that you’re not afraid to admit your mistakes and take steps to rectify them.

So next time you’re dining out, remember that taking responsibility isn’t just about big issues—it starts with the small things too.

7) Unconcerned with others’ opinions

Now, this may sound counterintuitive, but those who clean up after themselves at restaurants are often less concerned with others’ opinions.

You might think that they do it to appear courteous or considerate, and while that could be a part of it, I’ve found that it often goes deeper.

I once asked a friend why she always tidied up after herself at restaurants. Her response was simple and profound: “I do it for me, not for what others might think of me.”

This behavior is a reflection of their values and principles, not an attempt to impress others or seek approval. It’s about staying true to oneself, irrespective of societal expectations or norms.

So here’s a practical tip: the next time you’re at a restaurant, try cleaning up after yourself. Do it not because you want to appear polite or considerate but because it aligns with your values.

You might find it a liberating experience that reinforces your sense of self-worth and authenticity.

Conclusion

As we conclude, it’s clear that people who clean up after themselves at restaurants exhibit behaviors that go beyond mere tidiness.

They demonstrate respect, consciousness of actions, self-discipline, attention to detail, emotional intelligence, responsibility, and authenticity.

So here’s my advice: the next time you dine out, take a moment to observe your habits.

Do you clean up after yourself? If not, give it a shot. It’s not just about leaving the table clean; it’s about cultivating habits that reflect your character and values.

Remember, small actions can lead to big changes. And who knows? You might just find that this simple act transforms not only your dining experience but your approach to life as well.