Napkin Placement During Restroom Break

Dear Dr. Dave and Dr. Dee,

While dining in a restaurant, I had to go the ladies room before finishing my meal. I put my napkin on my chair. My friend told me that I shouldn't put the napkin on the chair because the waiter would think that I was finished with my meal. Is that true?

Signed,

Wondering

Dear Wondering,

When leaving the table mid-meal, or between courses, place your napkin on the left side of your plate, not on the chair. The waiter would only take your plate away if it looked like you had eaten all your meal, not because you were absent from the table for a moment.