To tip or not to tip??

Ahhh, it's always the same ones. The 'Thank you sweetheart, the food and service was amazing', or 'I haven't had food like that since 1999, and your smile, priceless'. That's really when I should step in and say, yes, there is a price, it's called a tip and it's generally 10 percent! But I hold back, and watch them sweet talk the kitchen staff, again talking up the food and how fabulous it is coming from a small kitchen. We (the minimum wage staff) all play the game, laughing at their lame jokes and thank them for enjoying the meal.

Then, the all important part. The bill comes to the table, the words of praise continue as I once again join in on their banal banter. A credit card comes out and there is a moment where I think, should I ask them if they want to leave a tip by card, but I think again. They've loved the mealed and couldn't get enough of my witty banter, of course they'll leave a tip. The suspense builds as the wallet comes out of the back pocket once again, but the wait is to see if it will leave a cash tip, or if it's just to place the card in it's very snug pocket. I walk away from the table, their coats come on, they shower even more praise and walk out the door. And am I really surprised, the saucer is empty, I should have known, because it's always the same ones!

Well, it's onto another day, where I'm sure I will play the same game and lose once again. But I don't worry, I win a few too!