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Table 14 needs 5 glasses of water, table 17 asked for their check 2 minutes ago, and table 12 wants to complain because the kitchen forgot to omit tomatoes from their tacos. You better take care of them immediately and with a big smile on your face, as you can feel your tips dwindling every second they’re left alone.

Many employers warn you about the fast-paced environments that their companies offer, but if you’ve ever worked in the food industry, those office jobs might feel like a walk in the park. And one Facebook page that knows what it’s like to work in food service all too well is Life Of A Server. Below, you’ll find some of their most painfully relatable pics for anyone who’s worked in a restaurant, as well as conversations with Paul and Kelly Southworth, Founders of Life Of A Server Inc., and Marlon Joseph aka The Modern Waiter!

More info: Website | Apple App | Google Play App | Store | Instagram

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    #2

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    Bored something
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    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As a retail employee I've heard that from customers too. It's got to be nicer than walking into a place as morose as a cemetery.

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    We reached out to Paul and Kelly Southworth, Founders of Life Of A Server Inc., to find out more about the background of the company, and they were kind enough to have a chat with Bored Panda about how it all started. “In 2017, we created a huge community of bartenders, servers, and all of the staff who work in the bar and restaurant industry,” they shared.

    “We wanted a special place where we could all go and chat about our shifts, share our experiences, laugh about our day, and realize that we all go through the same things. We built a following of like-minded individuals who work weekends, holidays, crazy hours and double shifts, and we realized we all needed a social connection with those who also understand what it's like to work in hospitality,” the founders explained.

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    “Our social application, (available in both App Stores), is that place, with a fun, interactive newsfeed, tip tracking, a swipe to the right with jobs, swap'n'sell and more,” Paul and Kelly continued. “Our app brings us all together so we can be a voice for the staff of the bar and restaurant industry.”

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    LegendsNeverDIE
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    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Lolll yes I love this!! It's so annoying when people just seat themselves (and I'm not even a server!)

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    sara fulmer
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    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She even gave a $10 tip on the card! " and here's a lil' pocket money for you. Get yourself a latte on the way home" 😘

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    We were also curious if Paul and Kelly had any unique experiences working in the service industry that they could share with us. “One of the most hilarious things that happened to me personally that I won't forget is: One day I was working a lunch shift, and was waiting on the sweetest older couple who both ordered club sandwiches with fries,” Kelly shared. 

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    “It got really busy and I was kind of in the weeds, and I noticed the gentleman hadn't finished his meal. So as I was frantically walking by– I meant to say, ‘Would you like me to WRAP your club for you?’ But what I actually said was, ‘Would you like me to RUB your club for you?’ Both his wife and himself broke out in laughter, and I did as well realizing what I had just said to him. Needless to say, they tipped 20%, and we laughed as they were leaving.”

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    We also asked the founders what servers think is important for customers to understand. “A few of the things I would like customers to realize are that as a server, we do not have any control over food or beverage prices,” they told Bored Panda. “We also have no control over wait times for the food. The more we go into the kitchen and bother (distract) our BOH, the further it sets them behind. (And, pisses them off.) It takes the entire BOH and FOH to operate a restaurant, like a well-oiled machine.”

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    EvilNob
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    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Try it in Germany and they will be happy about that tip, because they are payed way better and are tipping here is an option and not a necessity. But it is probably like the taxes there....

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    But despite all of the struggles that come along with it, the founders say they would highly recommend that everyone works in a bar or restaurant, at least once in their life. “It teaches you confidence, patience, strength, empathy, and also gives you opportunities that you never thought you could have," they explained. "Many times, lifelong friendships and valuable relationships form with your fellow co-workers, perhaps a regular customer, and even in some cases, your boss.”

    “The bar and restaurant industry can be a wild, fun, unpredictable environment to work in, but we wouldn't have it any other way,” Paul and Kelly shared. “And just when you think you've heard it all, you go into our community, and there's another crazy story. That is the Life Of A Server.”

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    Iridian
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    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As the outside observer, it's hard to tell who's correct. But based solely on the owner's response, I wouldn't visit the establishment.

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    To learn more about what it's like to be a server, we reached out to Marlon Joseph, also known as The Modern Waiter. Marlon has a podcast discussing all of the highs and lows of working in the service industry, and he shared with Bored Panda that he often touts being a server as a viable vehicle. "It can take you many places you want to go. By that, I mean consider the flexibility versus the money you can make," Marlon explained. 

    "If I wanted to move to Denver next week, I know I can get a good position almost immediately. I can work days or nights and use it as the ultimate side hustle or a main gig. Great servers tend to be curious. That underrated trait lends itself to being a people person. Curious people are also willing to learn. You learn about the people you help and about the business you are in."

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    When it comes to the worst parts of being a server, Marlon says it's always a surprise. "It is a tightrope walk every day. Things often go wrong, and you are constantly putting out fires. That can be difficult to handle for long periods of time. Think about it, if you are making money you are probably very busy. If you are very busy, you may run out of a popular item. You may be on a long wait. You may be short staffed. Guest may be upset at any number of those things. You still have to shine and perform. There are a lot of moving parts."

    "On the other hand, I always enjoyed how social the service industry is," the Modern Waiter added. "If you need a social life, start a restaurant job. You will instantly know 80 people, many of whom are a good time. You are also meeting hundreds of guests every day."

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    #19

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    MezzoPiano
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    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes. I have never understood people who are rude to servers. Like, why would you be anything but incredibly kind to a person who is going to be *alone with your food*?

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    Mad Dragon
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    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My standard answer was, "Do you remember who your server was? I'll have to let the manager know."

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    We also asked Marlon what servers want their guests to understand. "Some restaurant guests gamify their visit," he noted. "They try to get things for free. Or try a bit of something and send it back even if it is made correctly. You are dealing with real people at real jobs, and it may cost the server, the cook or the restaurant much more than you may ever know. Understand it is a business. Show up for your reservation. Show up on time. Ask the best questions about your prospective meal. And enjoy. Don’t play games."

    #22

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    Howl's sleeping castle
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    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I was working for a collections team and got this old guy. I remember he was 68. He was talking nicely and made the payment too. Then he proceeded to tell me about some Indian guy calling him and he refused to make a payment because he was a Hindu. He proceeded to say some real racist stuff when I stopped him to inform that I am an Indian and a Hindu too. There was a pause for two seconds and he said 'but you sound like one of us.' I asked him what does that mean. He replied 'you sound like a texan.' I started laughing and said ' I am sorry but that isn't a compliment ' before disconnecting the call. (It happened 15 years ago, things were bit lenient)

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    And if you're interested in getting into serving yourself, Marlon recomments learning as much as you can about the process and getting help from a server who is doing well. "It is often the details that need attention, and eliminating the extraneous steps you may think are important but they are not," he explained. "The service industry is a viable way to make a living. Time off is rarely an issue. You can make a lot of money, however you will have to work holidays."

    If you'd like to hear more from The Modern Waiter, be sure to check out Marlon's podcast on iTunes, iHeart Radio, Spotify or follow him on Instagram!

    #25

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    Norma
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    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You do realize you're talking to someone who doesn't GAF about responsibility. They only want someone to scream at/humiliate/blame, etc.

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    actaeon cross
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    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I worked at a fast food place and we would alter the lobby air to match whatever was outside. So, in the summer we would turn the heat on in the lobby if people were still sitting and having a good time when we were ready to close

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    #27

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    Heather Vandegrift
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    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well, then, he had a semi-cause excuse, because he shouldn't have done the dumb thing that got him in jail (unless he was Innocent; then completely valid)

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    Are you feeling triggered by these all too real experiences of working in food service, pandas? Whether you’re still a server today or you haven’t been one for 15 years, we hope you’re able to get a kick out of these pics. Keep upvoting the ones you find painfully relatable, and let us know in the comments what your experiences were like working in the service industry. Then, if you’d like to check out even more funny pics for those who work in food service, visit this Bored Panda list next!

    #29

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    TheBlueBitterfly
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    1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Have a sign on the door, "No Public Restroom." At least once an hr "can I use the restroom?" "Where are your restrooms?" "What do you mean you don't have a restroom? That's illegal! I'm calling the police/health department/the state/my mom!"

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    Moosy Girl
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    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No… no I think the waitress ID-ing me on my 40th-something birthday while I was out with my parents who are visibly in their 70’s was more uncomfortable. It was a weird moment for everyone involved. (Drinking age is *16* here for the record.)

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    #31

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    The Doom Song
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    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I always used to reply with "oh like an hour and a half ago" and they'd be like "what?" So I'd shrug my shoulders and say "people kept turning up so I can't leave"

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    #32

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    Kim
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    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I be comming to work happy, see my boss and become sad. True story.

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    actaeon cross
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    1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I once had to cover a shift for a guy who was denied a day off (he only worked half a day and requested EVERYTHING OFF) and drank enough to be off and in the hospital with alcohol poisoning on the denied day

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    #36

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    Romeosmells
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    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ever try to silently grab the one item you need while your boss is sobbing? I just need sour cream, I don't have time to talk a b***h off the bridge.

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    Mad Dragon
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    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Mother's Day was always the busiest day in our restaurant. All the other holidays the moms still apparently cook, but this one day you want to give her the day off but also don't want to put the effort into figuring out a meal, so let's just take the family out to a crowded restaurant where we can complain to the hostess about the seating times and blame the server when it takes a while for our food to be prepared because 17 people ordered before we did. Don't forget to express shock at the amount of the bill when it comes!

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    Kathryn Baylis
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    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If they actually did know the owner, at the most the owner would have seen them at the door and personally escorted them to their table. At the very least, the owner would’ve informed the staff of their arrival.

    Astrophile
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    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah all the owner’s friends/fam that I’ve ever served have never had to tell me they know the owner. If the owner really cares, they’re usually sitting with them or keeping an eye on their service.

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    Donald
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    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My response was always, "oh yea? That's great, give him a call so he can take care of that for you." Nobody ever seemed to have their "friend's" phone number.

    CheshirePhrogg
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    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Actually we do know the owner and the whole staff is aware and sometimes it gets us slower service cause they know we're chill and understanding (and still leave a decent tip) and you know what... we keep going back cause when they aren't slammed it is the absolute best

    Becky's Display Name
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    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I lmao every time I hear this. So do I, buddy. I also know he's home in bed where I left him when I came to work this morning, seeing how he's my Fiance.

    matt adore
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    1 year ago

    This comment has been deleted.

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    Shark Lady
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    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A friend of mine was executive chef at a really fancy restaurant, I mentioned his name twice. Both times was because he booked my table in his name so he could pay for it. I had been planning to just be another customer.

    SincerelyMeesh
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My mom owned a sandwich shop and I was weekend manager in college. Someone pulled the "I know the owner" card on me when I refused to refund a fully eaten sandwich cause the person didn't like it. I just bugged my eyes at him and said "You know my mom!" and he walked out without saying a word.

    Raumpfleger
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Except you really know the owner and he's in the house and you actually manage to get him involved. THEN you still don't look cool and will be hated by the entire staff for the rest of your life. Oh, and I wouldn't want to eat somewhere the staff really hates me!

    Princess Jade
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I worked in Radio Shack's sister store in Australia, it was names after the entrepreneur who started the company, we'd get the occasional Karen saying they know him or they were going to email him to complain about us, kicker was he's sold the company 20yrs prior, so I mean go ahead I guess?!

    Michael Largey
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Just because they know the owner doesn't mean the owner likes them.

    Jennifer Ness
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    At a place I go the servers' t-shirts have "I also know the owner" on the back. Good owner

    Lady Gypsy Rain
    Community Member
    10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Always love to see it when Karen says I know the owner…. To the owner

    AgingBull
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If I said that I would feel dirty, like the rest of my life.

    Bill Tinsley
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah working at family owned places people name drop the owner all the time. If you know that a-hole you're probably one too

    Wednesday
    Community Member
    5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hey... there is a restaurant where I know the owner. I don't ask for special treatment or hassle the staff, he's just a cool dude.

    Lace Neil
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    At the pizza place, a Karen tried that at a time when the owner was serving due to us being short staffed. Cue the owner replying, "how do you know me?"

    Isabel Care
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I worked at a place where the owner saw me, screamed and ran away. My mum used to teach him, and I knew 2 of his sisters at school. He was too scared to go into the basement storage with me alone. When I returned to the basement to put out the lights, without seeming scared of the ghosts, that scared him more. He was 6 ft 5. The offices were in an old country house that had very weird stuff happening on a daily basis. Some parts just looked spooky, the doors that opened/ closed by themselves over thick carpets were spooky, the full roast dinner smell when no one was cooking/eating was delicious.

    michael Chock
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Considering how well most staff are paid I can almost guarantee you that you will be getting extra treatment and probably something extra in your food

    Corey Crawford
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You look and sound like a douche, because we don't care. Hell we know the owner too, I think we both don't like you

    Gardener of Weeden
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have played the I know the owner, and I am going to tell them what a wonderful job you are doing. And I s that your manager- Great staff Thank you! ( plus I leave a generous tip)

    Em
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It'll get you your usual deal from me if you can state said deal coherently and convincingly. "[Owner] gives me no tax/two for twenty/this specific (reasonable) discount," sure, totally. "Uhhh I dunno but he gives me a deal...." okay, come talk to him then, he's here never.

    RajunCajun
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I was at my buddies bar and like normal I would just walk into the kitchen and make something to eat. Well the new cook had not met me yet and I saw out of the corner of my eye him at the bar getting up to come talk to me. Then the bar maid said something to him as he walked over. he then told me, "let me know if you need any help". Later I asked what she said and was told "I just told him that's the owner best friend"

    Terri Martin
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Doesn't make you cool, but I can promise you, it tends to get you better service IF it's true.

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    Batwench
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    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You know it’s bad shift when you start to drink during it.

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    Mona
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    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No, Brian, everybody SHOULD work in customer service for at least some portion of their life.

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    lenka
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    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As a non-american from a country where tipping is not done, what IS an appropriate tip? I thought 10% was the standard? Is it not?

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    Manasvi Tupe
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    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "like me and my ex" oh my god that person would be so frustrated with both their ex and people who dont get their orders right.

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