Going to restaurants has recently become financially demanding, but a meal out is undeniably one of the small pleasures worth pampering oneself with once in a while.

There is a lot of talk about manners and best practices in restaurants - both on the part of the guests and the staff. The question of tipping waiters (to tip or not to tip? If so, how much to tip?) and taking children to such establishments is most often debated. Another hot topic: free water and a question whether it should be provided to guests.

Visiting cafeterias is no longer only about filling one's belly. Yes, that is still usually the main reason, but beyond that such outings fulfil social and cultural purposes as well. Meeting people, trying new flavours, checking out trendy places - all while having lunch or dinner – to name a few.

Justyna Klimasara, an activist from the New Left, wrote a post on Twitter about how restaurant staff address guests. She strongly criticised waiters or bartenders replacing common forms of address in favour of referring to customers more directly.

The activist points out that "as a customer she has her own requirements" and that waiters being almost on first name terms with her make her feel uncomfortable. She added that such behaviour is more characteristic of "cheap hipster bars".

Well, everyone can have their own opinion on the matter. There is no need to argue that breaking the ice does not mean disrespect, but merely creates a more relaxed, homely atmosphere. And addressing guests by their first name is not, by the way, the rule in all places. It is more likely to happen in fashionable ones, popular with people who are probably of a similar age to the staff.

In a restaurant with tablecloths and glassware prepared on the table Justyna Klimasara wouldn’t be a victim of such an unpleasant situation. However, if she chooses establishments that she herself calls "cheap hipster bars" it is hardly surprising that the staff there has a more relaxed approach to guests.