Show of Gratitude

 

To tip or not to tip? That is the question of the day.  When is it appropriate to tip for services rendered and when is it okay to offer a gratuity at all?  This seems to be a debate that arises every now and then.  Gratuities have become so expected that some businesses have the option on the payment device, where you have no option, but to leave a tip, whether deserving or not.

When I enter a business, like a restaurant, I already have a base tip in mind for what I'll give to my server.  Then in my mind, like the reels of an old alarm clock, that tip amount either flips forward for a higher tip or backwards for less, all depending on how my companions and I are treated.  Whatever the company I'm sharing dinner with wants to leave is up to them.  I only know what I'm prepared to leave.  Of course, I read the room and if I receive shitty service because my server is overworked and busy with a shit-ton of tables, I take that into consideration, but overall, it's all attitude.

Just last evening, I decided to check out a new burger joint that I've been passing by for a few weeks.  I chose to take my food out.  I paid for my order and right away the debit machine prompted me to pay a 10%, 15% or 25% gratuity.  "No Tip" was not offered.  I protested, as I don't see the need to tip someone who takes your order.  They didn't go above and beyond.  In fact, this girl was just...  Blank.  I don't know if she just didn't want to be there or if she was on something, but a tip was not deserved for the interaction I had.  Plus, I ordered no pickles and got pickles.  She instructed me to stand to the side, at the pick-up station, so I did so.  A few minutes later, another gal comes along and verbally scolds me for standing there, ushering me off to the far side of the tiny dining area.  The burger and onion rings that I ordered were, albeit, fan-f*cking-tastic, but the service was pure shit!!  I'll probably go back, for the food, but no monies other than the food purchase, will leave my hands.

Same goes for pizza.  I always opt to pick up my pies, as delivery cost is exorbitant.  When I go to pay, they always expect a tip.  I'm not paying someone extra just for doing what is expected of them.  If I got delivery, then yes.  Of course, I'll tip.  I'm a professional driver, so I'm quite familiar with the obstacles and stupid drivers out there.  A delivery guy (or gal) should be compensated for the extra stress on their sad little lives.

In a perfect world, all the servers should be compensated with their paychecks.  Supplemental gratuities, shouldn't be necessary or expected, but many businesses just pay their help minimum wage and who the f*ck can live on minimum wage.  In some U.S. restaurants and bars, the wait staff only earn money through gratuities from their patrons.  Other businesses, have the wait staff split the tips they earn, with the kitchen staff, who didn't do shit, except their f*cking jobs.

In the end, y'all are going to do what you want to do.  It makes no difference to me.  I'm not here to try and sway public opinion one way or another.  This is simply my belief on the matter.  Go above and beyond, you get tipped well.  Give a shitty attitude then expect to be heavily compensated?  Eat shit!!

 

Years ago, when I used to frequent the bars, I'd tip very well. Especially as the night grew darker and darker and the drinks kept coming.  The tips I gave out mirrored how inebriated I was.  The drunker I got, the more money my waitress would make.  Even more so, if she were a hottie.  I don't drink anymore.  I can't afford it.  I don't enjoy it and Covid has pretty much killed the nightlife scene around this city, anyway.  Plus, all the bars I went to have either been torn down or turned into gay bars.  F*ck is there ever a lot of gay bars in this city... 🤔 What the f*ck??

Sorry.  Got distracted.  😵

Tips and gratuities...  I don't know. Do whatever you want.  I don't think they're always necessary.  You be you, Boo and I'll be me, a cheap cynical bastard.

 💸