People hurried about their business, and I kept watch for Anja Horjak, with whom I had arranged to meet for a chat that afternoon. I was looking forward to our meeting, as we always share interesting thoughts and ideas whenever we get together.
When we finally found each other in the crowd, we headed to a pleasant café and ordered. A kind waitress served us and we started chatting. In good company, time just flies by, and it was the same this time. During our conversation, we ordered twice, and it seemed that the waitress who had served us had finished her shift in the meantime. We also slowly started to leave.
»I'll pay, then we'll go,« said Anja, heading to the counter where a new waitress was standing. Anja asked her for the bill. Before issuing it, the waitress looked at the computer and read aloud what we had ordered. I listened, and it seemed to me that she hadn't listed everything. Apparently, the previous waitress had entered an incomplete order into the computer.
Despite the fact that Anja could have easily confirmed the lower amount and feigned ignorance, she did not. She pointed out the mistake to the waitress and explained what we had ordered. The waitress eventually issued the bill with the correct sum.
I was pleasantly surprised by Ana's gesture, which I told her: »Many would have kept quiet upon realising the waitress had made a mistake. Some would even think themselves lucky to pay less.«
She replied: »I didn't have the heart to rip her off. I've worked as a waitress myself, and I know what it's like.«
I've been thinking about how our own experiences sometimes make it easier to put ourselves in someone else's shoes and act fairly when needed. Personal qualities and morals likely also contribute. Some people are honest and have a well-developed moral compass. Anja is one of them.
Honesty is a precious virtue that never goes out of style. Those who act honestly also sleep more soundly at night due to a clear conscience.
Mateja Sekavčnik, 20 March 2026
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