The Art Of Tipping

Monica Reid and I were having a conversation the other day and it made me think about the importance of tipping.  She mentioned at the new E Center in Harker Heights they now have restroom attendants and being from  Chicago this is not a new concept for me as it has been part of the fabric of the city for years.

It is  the custom  to tip the attendant who hands you a towel and has a variety of  colognes and perfumes for you to freshen up. I always tip the person a dollar, but what about when you are out dining?

Now, I  must admit, I do know people who would rather go through a root canal then leave a tip. Not being a math major I always carry a tip card in my wallet, since I don't want to short change anyone nor do i want to over tip if there is such a thing. I am the kind of person who leaves a tip even if I think the service is poor; however, for service that is above the call of duty I do tip more.

How much should you tip if you think the service is good?  On the other hand, should you not tip if the service was poor?

For me there are three kinds of waiters or waitresses:

• The Busybody:  After taking your order and bringing you your food stop by your table every two minutes asking "is everything OK." While I do like them stopping by checking on my needs I don't need them to ask me the same question twenty five times during my meal, if something is not up to par I will get your attention.
• The Ghost:  After bringing you your food disappears never to be seen again. You can't even find them to get the check to leave.
• The Perfect Server: The type who  knows just how to make your dining experience what is should be, they are attentive without being overbearing, they know when you need your water glass filled, when to ask if everything is OK and when you ask for the check they are back in a timely manner with a smile.