I was a busboy, and I depended on tips. I didn't have a family to support, but most of the waitresses I worked with did. They became upset with customers who were too cheap to leave a tip of at least 10 per cent of the check. To this day, I pay close attention to waitresses. When I see a middle-aged waitress without a wedding band, I sense a sad story.
Nobody chooses waiting on tables as a career.
She needs every dollar, and I tip at least 25 or 30 per cent. I also make a point of being pleasant and cheerful. Little things, but she's a human being and any small gesture may relieve the drudgery of her life. I could easily have wound up in her shoes. And I have no doubt that she roasted some poor staffer when the incident resulted in bad publicity for her.