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.
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.
Maybe the waitress had been stiffed all night. Maybe her feet hurt, her patience worn thin. Maybe Amelia’s ten-dollar tip felt like the final insult.
But professionalism is about grace under pressure. And no matter how hard the shift, lashing out at a customer rarely ends well.
