Ok, so let's face it: We've all had that one friend or relative who has worked in the serving profession. How many times have you heard, "tipping IS important"? Chances are, probably a lot. I know, I know we all want to roll our eyes, but deep down, we know they're right.
If I made $2.83 an hour, I would probably expect compensation for that, especially when I'm going to give the best service possible. Unfortunately, there are those people who have one last "Stick it to the man" left in them, leaving a big fat $0 tip on a $100+ tab. If that were to happen to me, I would assume that my response would be something like this:
Let's not even get into the tip share debate. Hosts and bartenders also receive a small cut of the tips in the form of a tip share for appropriately seating us and preparing our drinks. Regardless of the cost of each tab for every table a waiter or waitress serves, they pay a tip share. So, when you don't tip, they are still paying a percentage that goes into their tip share. Yay! They're paying to serve you! Isn't that great--wait, that's not how this is supposed to work... Most servers are in school or have children. They chose that profession as the hours are somewhat flexible. I'm sure it makes them really ecstatic to use their own money to pay for you to eat.
I'm sure you've seen those viral Facebook photos of a server's pay stub with a $0 total. Sure, if their checks are that small, then they're doing really well on tips, but that only highlights why you SHOULD tip, because that server is literally living off their tips. And besides, you tip because you are appreciative of being served. A magic fairy angel didn't take you order, bring your drinks and accommodate your meal for you.
Not tipping because you didn't get your food fast enough, especially when you're not the only one in the restaurant, is just plain childish. The servers don't make your food, and sometimes it can take them a minute to get to the computer to type your order in and send it to the kitchen. He or She only had to bring refills and napkins to table 76, run the appetizer for table 81, make salads for table 110 before their entree comes out, and manage to keep up with their side-work all at once. So, there goes their tip, right?
Servers go through a lot: rude customers, lack of employees during a rush, rushes in general, backstage drama (oh, honey, there is a TON of drama in the back that you don't even know the beginning of, but that's another story) and personal happenings in their own life. If you've received great service, tip your server. It let's them know they did a great job and ensures consistency. It instills confidence, skill, and makes their whole day. They're there for hours a week away from their family and friends, they have homework, babies, etc. Do you really want to be the reason someone wants to debate if they can even afford to pay their electric bill? I would hope not. TIP YOUR SERVERS. 
