The time period we live in allows for an abundance of opportunities that make our lives easier. We can text and make phone calls instead of relying upon letters. Shopping is no longer necessary because many things can be purchased online and even downloaded immediately. And...instead of preparing meals three time a day, seven days a week, you can walk into a restaurant and order a meal and have it brought to you.
We take advantage of these conveniences without putting too much thought into it. I struggle the most with people who do not tip their waiters when eating out. There are a few things to take into account when it comes to why you should ALWAYS tip.
These people do not have to be kind to you! If you act like a rude and inconsiderate human being, then you should not expect them to be incredibly kind to you. Yes, many will still be polite and do their jobs without a hitch but I guarantee to you that when they go out for drinks tonight with their friends, you will be the person they talk about and make fun of over apps. You become the joke and everyone, especially those in the restaurant, will think you are an idiot. You are not hurting them and you will not make think that they are terrible at their job.
We all have bad days and we all make mistakes. This does include waiting staff. Please, please, please do not ever walk into a restaurant and expect for everything to be absolutely perfect and for you to be treated like royalty. 9 times out of 10 this will not happen and you are only going to be disappointing yourself. If mistakes are made, if your waitress forgets your side of ranch or takes 5 minutes before bringing you a refill, get off of your high horse and realize that you are not her only priority. She probably has a million and two things going on and she is not purposely shunning you. She is busy. Don't be a flaming over-reactor.
These people rely on tips. My god, I cannot stress this enough! Most people in the serving industry get paid very little because they do earn tips. Their paychecks alone usually cannot cover all of their bills. Without tips, they might not make rent this month. You have no idea. If people find it acceptable to walk into a restaurant, eat and then leave without tipping the server, you are ripping off the people that just waited on you. You don't deserve to have good service if you cannot appreciate it.
Tip your waiters. No, it doesn't have to be 30% tip. But if they went above and beyond to give you the best service, then why not? They go through a lot of hell working in the industry that they do and working with people every single day. They deserve a hell of a lot more than for you to walk out without leaving a tip. Be respectful. Be appreciative. Be aware.
