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Same-Side-Sitters: Acceptable or Annoying? (10 Photos)

In: Humor, WTF

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You've all seen it, the couple at a restaurant voluntarily sitting on the same side of the table rather than facing each other. Some people find it to be a little awkward, others find it downright annoying; couples sitting side-by-side awkwardly craning their necks to talk to the other person inches away. Where do they put their elbows?

Many foodies and dining junkies will tell you same-side-sitting is aesthetically imbalanced (especially at a booth), it's just not proper restaurant etiquette, whatever that means.

My buddy's a waiter. He and his coworkers refer to same side sitters as “S3's (S Cubed)", or 'Triple S'. He added, "S3's are always the worst PDA in my place."

In their defense, same-side-sitters have many different reasons for their one-sided choice. Some are just trying to show extra affection, others like people watching. For many Triple S's, the seating arrangement just works for them, why should we care? Do you?

Like this post?

442
  • BabyFart Magizax

    #7 hahahaha

    • Craigery

      I don't get it. What's so funny?

      • BabyFart Magizax

        Instead of looking at each other, they'd rather look at a wall 2 feet in front of them

        • SilkySapper

          Or rather than look at each other, they would rather finger each other while they eat…

          • OBIE WAN

            what a couple of weirdos

    • mark

      Kay and Dave's – Pico location that has been closed for over a year it was a very nice wall… to get to the bathroom every one had to go past the backs of the people eating, perhaps they just didn't feel like watching that

    • Underbaker

      Looks like a guy and his mistress to me, just don't want to be seen.

    • john v.

      this makes no sense to me. I could understand if they were on the other side and wanted to check out the action but staring at a wall… weird.

    • Enclave

      I think this is actually a guy and a chicken.

    • fuqyew

      he probably saw the jackass with the camera and decided to be incognito, or at least try…

  • Jennifer

    #10

    I know I shouldn't care, but I do. I think it's a little annoying

    • SMACKDADDYSUPREME

      Agreed. Only acceptable if you're at a bar with a game on the tube.

      • some-dude

        Also makes sense if:
        – in a 6+ person booth with a wider than normal table.
        – in a loud place that would make it hard to hear across a table.

        • tapsnapornap

          Or if the seats on one side are nice comfy booth seats and the other side has chairs, a la #9

    • DoomsDayDub

      Haha, me and my wife occasionally do this, but not to have extra PDA time. I only ever sit on the same side if there is some fat-a$$ in the way like #3, or if the one side has a nice comfy bench seat and the other side has some horribly uncomfortable chair.

    • SpacemanSpiff
    • Groggy

      I don't get it. My girlfriend and I sometimes sit across from each other, sometimes sit next to each other. Depends on the table, I guess (I just take a seat, my girl is the one that switches). As long as I have enough elbow room, I don't care which. I don't know why it would be annoying to other people, though. In our case, it's got nothing to do with PDA, we're not big on that.

      Seriously, if you find yourself getting agitated by what side of a table complete strangers are sitting at…honestly, I don't know what you should do. It's a little strange; and kind of sad.

      • SchnitzelHopper

        Your laid back approach is refreshing but a little tension may be in order when considering your girl's interest is switching. It might mean she has a hard time committing to things. It might mean, although she normally likes to play it safe and sit in the same place, sometimes, she needs a different perspective to set her right.

        • Groggy

          A lot of things might mean a lot of things. Take that thinking too far and you'll drive yourself nuts. I'm good with her, I was good before her, and I'll be good after her if that comes to pass.

          And in none of those three stages will I find myself giving a shit about other people's seating arrangements.

          • Bill

            I dont understand why this is an issue either… i can see PDA being annoying, other than that, why does anyone care?

  • Javi

    It’s an awkward way to look someone in the eye while dining.

    • Chris

      Why are you trying to look into someone's eye while they are dining?

      • os310

        i think dining is an awkward way to say eating

    • A dude

      Why are you staring people down when they are trying to eat?

      • nemesis

        that's the best way to steal their fries, duh

  • ConstableDubs

    Ridiculous.

    • If you said so...

      … that anyone ever noticed this.

      How can it possibly bug you to see a couple sitting on the same side? I'd think that would be the preferred method for everyone! Guess not…. Funniest part for me is all these people pet-peeving all over this shit, whats your deal?

  • a server

    #1

    as a waiter, next to shitty tippers, these people annoy me the most. they also tend to be my weirder customers as well

    • Livin' Legend

      How do they tip?

    • Craigery

      Why would it annoy you as a waiter? Is it more difficult to wait on them if they're sitting next to each other? If there are four people at the table, two on each side, wouldn't that be DOUBLY annoying? I don't get it.

    • A dude

      You sound like a shitty waiter if small things like this get to you. Maybe you should worry about what they ordered and not what side there sitting on and you would get a better tip.

    • Old Jeezy

      I was a server for 3 years, and this never once got on my nerves, and I in fact never noticed it.

      • yeah

        Same here, it never even crossed my mind when I was waiting tables. Un-wad your panties people…

    • Maxwell

      You're probably the waiter that never refills my iced tea too.

    • wefg

      Willing to guess you get shitty tips because you're a shitty waiter with that attitude. Suck it up.

  • Whiskey

    I am guilty of this… I just like to be next to my guy sometimes

    • 2hits

      & there's nothing wrong w that…some people just hate to see others who are happy-

      • that's right

        that's the point. i hadn't realized sitting on the same side was even an issue. i actually dont have a problem with pda as well. just two people who love each other. what would possibly be wrong with that… people who notice stuff like that are just plain miserable. end of story.

    • Ken

      Hey, if he is getting a handy underneath the table, outstanding then!

    • Ian

      I did this once with my wife…because something good was on tv in the restaurant.

    • naanunaanu

      I do it with my girl the majority or the time,

      Main reason for s3-in

      Dont have to yell at her
      And can have a better conversation
      Easy for sharing food
      Can watch the same game on the same tv

      Bottom line most of you assume happy couple give a shit what others think, we don't

      • Dr_StrangePants

        what he means, is that they're not trying to show off.
        It's just efficient

      • S3, Bitch!

        "EASY FOR SHARING FOOD"
        qft
        the majority of the time it's this. I didn't realize doing this was so offensive to people. I don't give a fuck though, because people that get annoyed by this make me happy when they are annoyed.

    • Jim

      Same side sitters need to be shot on the spot.

      • Josh

        Jim is lonely

        • wfgh

          Its ok, he can go home and rub that bit of rabbit fur against his dick and cry himself to sleep. Meanwhile, everyone share food with your significant other and laugh at Jim.

  • theblenny

    handjobs are easier side by side, unless you are a foot guy….

    • same-side-sitter

      This is why I like finding bars that serve bags of popcorn…just cut that hole in the bottom and voila!

    • yeah i said it

      FACT

  • bones

    Stupid.

    Also dumb.

  • Big Z

    If you can't do it then you probably worry what others think about you to much. Do what you want!

  • Buckeye

    Depending on the situation, I don't think sitting on the same side is a bad thing. For instance, what if you go out and want to watch a big game on the tv but you can only see the tv from one side of the booth?

    • Martin_McFly

      Or if you're breaking bread with the Lord…

      • http://www.thechive.com SmokeyMorgan

        Thank you. That made me chuckle.

    • SilkySapper

      because life these days revolves around TV and not intelligent conversation

    • http://twitter.com/BOlekas @BOlekas

      That's what the bar is for…

    • ricky

      agreed

    • HiGhOcTaNe21

      so it would be two guys? cuz a girl would never go for that….dream on lol

      • AboutGorramTime

        I am a girl, and I like to do this when we both want to watch the game. Otherwise, it's inexcusable.

      • Dave

        What's wrong with a little bromance?

  • Brad

    Annoying, and impractical. Sit across from each other, weirdos.

    • Not Brad

      You know what else is annoying? The name Brad. At least it's practical. Find something better to be annoyed about, weirdo.

      • yeah

        He probably calls himself Be-Rad in the 3rd person too…

        • brad's girlfriend

          we just call him "B", and he has done something you d-bags have never done…….. he has had sex. fucking virgin douche bags.

          • gsq

            Sad day when your girlfriend has to jump in to defend you Be-Rad. Man-card revoked.

            • panama99

              Brad, B, and Brad's Girlfriend sometimes I sit across from my wife and other times I sit on the same side with her. It simply depends on our mood. We are able to have a conversation with each other facing other or simply turning our heads and looking at each other. If we are on the same side I can put my arm around her, hold her hand, or place my hand gently on her leg.

              I'll ask my wife to write in later.

  • http://fayetteville.rockcitykicks.com Sitzesaroo

    I feel like it could be acceptable if they're watching a sporting event.

  • ElectricAmish

    My wife and I have done this for the 20 years we have been married.

    As long as there's room I enjoy it.

  • huzrdaddy

    Wow how is this even an issue, sounds like the only people that are annoyed by this are lonely people who wish they had someone special to sit with. so for all you "forever alone" folks try being annoyed at real world issues not instances of affection.

    • ElectricAmish

      Agreed!

    • carry on

      it's because everyone at the Chive is either gay or single.
      therefore they make fun of people who express feelings or god forbid sit on the same side of the table as each other. stop being so judge mental.

      John – we could rip your ass apart for days for wearing that stupid gay scarf indoors in the summer but we don't.

      • Black6dog

        Why are gay people on the Chive, a site dedicated to hot chicks? Go to the Berry.

        • it's true

          John is gay.
          or he's dating Erinn Willett as a cover up…(who moved to LA from NY btw)

        • http://twitter.com/McBeastie666 @McBeastie666

          dedicated to hot chicks? more and more I think it's dedicated to douchebags…and you're helping to prove my point.

          • Black6dog

            Name calling, the choice of champions. I wasn't dissing on gays, you're too sensitive

            • etcrr's goat

              fuck faggots….. and fuck you too!

            • http://twitter.com/McBeastie666 @McBeastie666

              aww…sorry if I hurt your feelings

              douchebag.

      • Doug

        Which one are you?

    • Lunchbox

      Hows it feel to be so totally and completely wrong…………hmm……..
      Oh, and by the way, I'm not single.

      • Lex

        nice try, but we all know he nailed it.

        • Lunchbox

          Really, you have to admit it looks dumb as hell when one side of the table is completely empty.

    • yerder

      Could not have said it better

    • Black6dog

      Pretty sure the only people who would agree with this don't understand aesthetics or the use of negative space, you don't put all of your photos on a single wall of your house because it looks ridiculous. Kind of ironic your profile pic is Quagmire, one of the most anti-relationship characters ever

      • Catalystika

        Negative space? Aesthetics? Are we still talking about a 30-60 minute dinner or an advanced art class? Annoying PDA aside, this falls under the life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness deal. No one's getting hurt. I don't exactly understand getting that wrapped up in a couple's decision to sit on the same side of the booth. Who cares?

        • Black6dog

          No one is trying to stop them obviously, but you're lying if you're trying to imply that there's nothing in the world that annoys you, like dubstep, whistlers, hipsters or duckface. Btw, it only took a couple people not liking it to get you involved in the debate, who cares that we care? A lot of people obviously.

          • Catalystika

            Nope… nothing annoys me. Well… except for hipsters. Oh, and duckface. Well… and teenagers who text during a movie. And Julia Roberts. I see your point. I don't get why it bothers people, but, hey… as long as you're not harassing them over it, be as annoyed as you want.

      • Dancing Can

        personally, aesthetics don't have much room in my sitting choice. If it ruins the aesthetics of a room or causes "negative" space. Derp. Don't care.

        NEVER CLOSE OFF A SECTION OF A RESTAURANT! IT CREATES NEGATIVE SPACE AND RUINS THE AESTHETICS!!! haha, derp.

    • cianciabella

      clearly you missed the humor in this post and would rather reflect your loneliness caused by your less than clever interweb alias 'huzrdaddy' than have a laugh. thechive is quintessential first world problems for your viewing pleasure. same-side-sitting a perfect example. nobody is annoyed at instances of affection, just making jokes.

      • boolip

        no, there really are people that are annoyed by thus in real life.

    • Nic

      You said it all. WHO THE HELL CARES? Get something better to talk about. They are buying food so shut it

    • thumbs

      well put! there's bigger issues in this world than what side of the table people sit on.

    • etcrr's goat

      proper etiquette dictates that you sit across from your date, you dumb fuck!

      • dasher

        Proper etiquette is to sit where you and your date are happy, not let the Seating Chart Taliban "dictate" where you sit with your date.

  • Chaosthirteen

    Perfectly fine. Me and mine, both always sit with our backs to a wall and usually on the same side. Easier to make fun of the single @ssholes, silently crying to themselves as they eat thier fajita plate for two alone.

    It's especially fun on St. Valentines day.

    • http://www.facebook.com/sykofun Evie Rose

      hell yeah

    • peanut3603

      Why would you laugh at a single person eating. Everyone has to eat. Is your relationship so shitty that you enjoy staring at singles while you get to stuff your face. I'm guessing you're the couple that's fat and secretly hate each other…

      • Jake

        This made my day sir thank you

      • Chaosthirteen

        Shut up and enjoy your fajita plate. I'mma go get laid now.

      • Chaosthirteen

        Shut up and enjoy your fajita plate. I'mma go get laid now.

        • thatdude

          Chaosthirteen, You girlfriend is so ugly she went to a dog show. and won

          • D-rock

            And your MOMMA is so BLACK that when I turned off the lights I couldn't see anything except for her smile when I sharted because the dark frightens me!

  • Zagreb

    The only time my wife and I s3 is when that side is the only one facing the tv with the game on. otherwise it's awkward. And what's with the couple in #3 they're facing the corner, everyone knows you sit with your back to the corner so nobody can sneak up and stab you.

    • Chris

      I was going to dislike because of the awkward comment, but then you totally nailed it with number three. First rule of espionage dude…

    • h_something

      The only time you do not put your back in to the corner is when there is a small child at the table behind you. Then it is acceptable to sit side by side with someone.

    • ConcernedChiver

      Is Denny's THAT dangerous!?

      • asdf

        Have you not seen the videos lately of people going completely insane at Denny's lately? Search the internet for it, there are hours of video out there.

        That being said. My wife and I do this every now and then when we're feeling gooshy. But it works for us because she's left handed and I'm a righty.

    • noegod

      sure putting your back in a corner protects you from everybody you can see….. but what of the ninja hiding in the corner!?!

  • Sam

    #10
    #9

    They want to share a booth rather than sit in the chairs….big deal.
    People gots to learn how to 'keep calm'.

    • the_real_Mike

      Exactly. Keep the fuck calm and Chive on.

    • http://www.rockstarvesrandoms.com vron

      That's the only reason I've ever done the "same side sitter" routine, because I hate the chairs.

  • http://www.cupcakesbymartha.com MarthaJeane

    My ex used to do this and I always felt like that tool in the restaurant whenever he did.

    • 80's Baby

      is this why you dumped him?

    • HUH?

      isnt it horrible the way he actually liked you so much? what a loser.

      • http://www.cupcakesbymartha.com MarthaJeane

        Perhaps leper is a better word than tool, based on the reactions we'd get. I thought it was a sweet gesture, just not my style.

        • MattyDeuce

          Not sure why the hatred for your reaction, but my theory behind it is you can't even talk to each other normally…I would rather look you in the eyes than the ear.

          Ears are sexy and all, but maybe I'm just old-fashioned.

    • LucretiusCarus

      Next time we have lunch I'm SO doing this 😛

      • Bill

        I feel like doing this intentionally now.

    • Laughing@martha

      Agreed, oh no he showed how much he cared about you! You poor thing. I'm sure if I check your Facebook page at the right time there will be a post by you that complains to all of your friends how much guys can be dicks and not show affection. And if that's your actual pic I'm not sure why he sat near you in the first place.

      • http://www.cupcakesbymartha.com MarthaJeane

        Hope you feel better about yourself insulting a stranger on the internet. Clearly you need that ego boost more than I do, so hate on my friend.

        • MarthaJeanesfather

          No, clearly YOU need the ego boost – look at the fucking picture you've posted up here!

          You know EXACTLY what you're doing young lady.

        • Bill

          Yup any girl who post her own pic like that is looking for attention, and you say your not looking for an ego boost lol

    • LucretiusCarus

      Hah–looks like your ex showed up and posted a few times, huh? 😉

    • asdf

      I think the "tool" feeling comes with being a Pats fan. just playin' Go Colts! (even though I know we're gonna suck sweaty blue balls for the next infinite seasons)

  • Scott

    Same side sitters are annoying but they are also fun to laugh at.

    • Dancing Can

      as are loney dudes who make fun of couples sharing the same side of the table. Fun to laugh at. derp.

  • Josh

    I find it only to be acceptable, when i feel as if my being a man has come to an end, im guessing that most of the guys in these pics have had their nuts removed and are in the purse of their companion…

    • Guy richie

      Your a moron, that is all

      • RMD81

        You're* Good try though

        • The_Dood

          I dare say, at least 90% of the time someone says you're a moron/idiot/chode/douche/whatever they spell it "your". Ahhh sweet irony.

    • Will

      you have a retarded sense of "man" in your head, seek help asap!

    • same side sitter

      Actually, I think it is the other way around. I used to hate this. Never did it with my ex. With my new GF, I love to do this. She is gorgeous and fun and I have the balls to not care what others think.

      • Mike

        My man.

      • s3 wit a cutey

        true dat! never did it wit my ex too, but wit my new GF.. hell yeah. it's all about who you sittin wit

      • etcrr's goat

        what a bunch of faggots on this site!!! fucking pathetic!

        • gsq

          Yes, clearly sitting with your wife/gf makes you a faggot.

    • Joshesboyfriendtom

      I just love it when you take me out Josh – I don't give a damn WHERE it is, so long as it is out of the basement and into some fresh air. We always just stay in and bum each other and it gets. so. darn. tiring.

      I mean, I love the poetry you write (Flowery Friends made me cry), the pictures you draw of us – ur 2 muscular hands squeezed tight – but you seriously need to show the world that you are in love with a man being a man and thats OKAY.

  • Martin_McFly

    I feel dirty just looking at these people.. *shudder*

  • that girl

    fuck it sometimes I do sometimes I don't, I'm there paying for my shit and if I want to and my guy does, why not? Mind you people don't give me shit about it, they never have and never will.

    • etcrr's goat

      shut the fuck up and get back in the kitchen!

  • D3AN

    Chewing with the mouth open, talking loudly in the library, driving like a grandma… all are annoying, but couple sitting on the same side? Hasn't ever crossed my mind as being a "problem".

  • 80's Baby

    I dont see the big deal….

  • Martin_McFly

    Jesus and the disciples… the ultimate Same Side Sitters….

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