The Daily Onward

“Make the charitable assumption.”

-Will Guidara popularized this phrase in his 2022 book, Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect. The principle, which encourages assuming the best intentions of others even when they are behaving poorly, was learned from restaurateur Danny Meyer.


This weekend, maybe you’ll be dining out at your favorite restaurant - it is Valentine’s Day after all. So, instead of assuming the worst if and when things are a bit slower or not “perfect” - assume the best. Make the charitable assumption that servers, chefs and the entire restaurant teams are working hard to make you and yours happy.