Life in the service industry definitely comes with its pros and cons. When it comes to high-paying careers that don’t require a college degree, this job is a go-to option for a lot of people.
The right restaurant, on the right night, can bring in serious money.
But of course, there are plenty of cons. And women in the service industry in particular know what they’re up against. One recent TikTok video demonstrates how bad things can get.
One Customer’s Behavior Leaves Server Shaking In The Bathroom
TikToker and Longhorn Steakhouse hostess @ladycaideebug recorded herself shaking uncontrollably after an incident with a male customer left her rattled. Her video has since reached over 1.6 million views.
“When someone says working in the service industry is easy,” the text on the video says, “but this was me hiding in the bathroom while my manager kicked out a man because he sexually harassed me WHILE HIS WIFE SAT AND LAUGHED.”
In the short clip, she stares at the camera before flipping it to reveal her hand trembling. She doesn’t speak, but the caption does enough. The moment feels raw—and far too familiar for others in her position.
More Common Than You Think
Back in 2021, NPR reported that more than 70% of female restaurant workers had experienced sexual harassment. In another survey, half of the servers surveyed said it happened to them weekly.
It’s part of a larger problem that goes beyond just bad customers. Tipping culture puts pressure on workers, especially women, to smile more, chat longer, and maintain a friendly tone, even when someone crosses the line. The idea of “service with a smile” can get twisted into something predatory men mistake as an invitation.
Commenters Share Similar Stories Of Their Own
In the comments, people expressed their support and shared similar experiences, in the service industry and beyond.
“I once had an old gentleman throw his plate of food and then the knives at me ‘cause his wife didn’t tell me he didn’t want sauce,” one commenter shared. “I took the full blame. ‘Cause if he has no hesitation doing that to me, I couldn’t imagine what he’d do to his wife.”
“I once had a drunk guy flirt with me while I was outside alone waiting for my manager,” another wrote. “She threatened to call the cops on him after he didn’t leave the store. A month later he recognized me and tried following me home. Even though my house is only a block away from my workplace, it’s genuinely so terrifying ‘cause anything could happen.”
“I work in fast food. I’ve had old men ask me what time I get off of work and ask me to come home with them and everything,” a third one shared. “Some say it comes with the job especially when you look older than you are. But people should have more respect for others especially when there is a possibility the person they are talking to in such a manner could be a minor.”
Aside from the man’s actions, people in the comments couldn’t understand why his wife sat there and laughed.
“Why is the WIFE laughing out of ALL PEOPLE??” one person asked.
Another added, “This is why the ‘we check out women together’ couples scare me.”
As of now, @ladycaideebug hasn’t shared another video about the incident. BroBible has contacted her via TikTok messages and reached out to Longhorn Steakhouse by email.