It’s a gesture you may have already made without thinking, or that you’ve seen someone else do: offering a hand to help a waiter clear the table. A discreet, almost commonplace reflex, yet one that intrigues psychologists. This small, everyday detail may actually reveal a great deal about our character… But what does it really tell us about ourselves?
A sure sign of empathy
When you help a server clear the plates, it’s not just about speeding up or making a good impression. It’s a profoundly human gesture. It shows you’re aware of the other person, their mental load, and the pace they have to maintain in a crowded dining room. In short, you’re connected to what the other person is experiencing, even if they don’t say anything. And this ability to perceive the invisible—the fatigue, the pressure, the frantic pace of service—is one of the pillars of emotional intelligence.
