“Our reader Amelia recently shared a letter with us about an upsetting experience she had at a restaurant. Her story brings up important questions about tipping etiquette, customer service, and how to handle conflict in these situations.
Here’s her story in her own words:
“My husband and I went out for a nice dinner last night to celebrate his big promotion. Everything was going smoothly until the very end when our waitress soured the evening with her entitled attitude.
When the check came, I left a $10 tip on our $85 bill. As she picked up the money, she sneered and said loudly, ‘Ten bucks? This isn’t the 1950s, you know.’
I was stunned by her tone — it was condescending and rude. My husband and I exchanged shocked glances. I tried to keep calm, but I was annoyed. ‘Excuse me?’ I said. ‘I think $10 on an $85 bill is more than fair.’
She rolled her eyes dramatically. ‘It’s a standard 20% tip these days, cheapskate. Do you not know how to calculate that?’
I couldn’t believe her attitude. I knew the $10 was over 11% of the bill, which I considered decent. Her entitlement left me furious.
With my patience gone, I replied, ‘With that kind of attitude, you don’t deserve a tip at all.’ I reached over, grabbed the $10 bill back, and prepared to leave. The waitress’s jaw dropped, and she started loudly insulting me, calling me names and making a scene that drew the attention of other diners. My husband looked mortified.
Eventually, the manager had to step in and escort the waitress away. We left without leaving a tip.
I admit, maybe I overreacted, but her behavior absolutely infuriated me. I didn’t think she deserved anything extra after such disrespect. Now, I’m hearing mixed opinions — some say I should have brushed it off, while others think I did the right thing. What do you think?”
I would have done the same thing to the “entitled” waitress. What a shame that she had ruined the celebration of your husband’s promotion.