I haaate people who try to 'connect' with the waitstaff. They don't realize they're actually doing the waitstaff a DISSERVICE by holding them up. At their WORK, slowing down their efficiency which slows down their money.

I had a date once say I was rude for not joining him in his faux chummy chit chat with the waiter. Nah dude, I'm being polite. I order, say please and thank you, and tip well. The waiter isn't a trained monkey here to indulge me or entertain me. Same for I don't care if the waiter smiles or not.