Customers left a rude note instead of a tip — all because waitress asked one customary question

For many waiters, tipping isn’t just a bonus, but something that keeps them afloat. However, in their line of work, they deal with customers of all kinds, from the most generous to the most difficult ones. At times, some customers walk away without leaving a dime, and that too for the most bizarre reasons. On August 28, a waitress on Reddit shared her ordeal of dealing with a couple who refused to tip her simply because she asked if they wanted their bill split.

Reddit user u/scorpioassbitch, who claimed to be a waitress, took to the popular subreddit r/MildlyInfuriating to share an outlandish experience with a couple of customers. The Reddit user shared a photo of the receipt, dated August 20, amounting to $65.80, with a strike-through in the space where customers typically reveal how much they are tipping. The customers also sent a handwritten note that read, "No tip because it was insulting to ask my wife and I if we wanted separate checks." Ironically, they used her pen to write the complaint. When curious Redditors chimed in to figure out why the waitress had even asked about splitting the bill, she explained that she never expected the customers to be a married couple, as they appeared to be from different age groups. "He was late 50s to early 60s and she was much younger," the Redditor wrote.

According to etiquette consultants, it is acceptable for servers to ask customers if they would like separate checks, especially when the group size is large or when it's evident that individuals have ordered different items. However, it's recommended that this inquiry be made politely and at an appropriate time to avoid any discomfort. A research study authored by Adrian Furnham explored the attitudes, behaviors, and beliefs towards tipping among 260 participants. The study noted that unsolicited tipping prompts can lead to discomfort and lower satisfaction, suggesting that the timing and context of tipping requests are crucial.

As soon as the Reddit post received traction, Redditors rallied to side with the waitress. On user named u/Kranon7 wrote, "He wasn't going to tip regardless." u/FactHole mocked the couple and commented, "How much you wanna bet this couple miraculously finds something to be upset about at every restaurant they go to? It costs less to be offended."

However, some redditors had polarizing viewpoints about the tipping culture, with one user u/Total-Industry5810 writing, "I'm glad tipping does not exist here in Europe, at least we have bosses who pay us for our work." While 'tips' are largely a Western concept, customers often feel like the burden of a 'fair salary' shouldn't rest on those who're just looking for a good meal. Since they're already paying (now exorbitant) prices for their food, it is acceptable for one to assume that the bill includes a percentage of the workers' salaries. However, it is not so, and the tussle between waiter and customer continues perpetually, while the unfair employers shrug off accountability.

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