Half the commenters applauded her. “Good for you,” one wrote. “No one deserves a tip for being rude.”
Others were less forgiving. “You could’ve taken the high road,” someone said. “Don’t stoop to her level.”
The Tipping Tightrope
Here’s the uncomfortable truth: tipping has become a moral minefield. What began as a gesture of appreciation has morphed into an expectation — sometimes even a demand.
A generation ago, 10% was standard. Now, with rising costs and digital prompts nudging 25% or more, diners are left navigating a confusing landscape.
People like Amelia don’t stiff servers. But they also don’t believe in rewarding mediocrity. And when a tip becomes a battleground, the spirit of service gets lost in the crossfire.
The Waitress’s Side
To be fair, there’s another side to this.
In many U.S. states, tipped workers still earn a federal minimum wage of $2.13 an hour. Tips aren’t a bonus — they’re survival. When customers leave less than 20%, it’s not just disappointing. It’s a financial blow.Continue reading…
