Dinner is over, it has been a satisfying, though not exceptional meal. I am dining with several work colleagues, and as is our company policy, the most senior employee picks up the bill using his corporate AmEx card. Hardly expecting anything besides putting on my coat, wholeheartedly patting my satisfied belly, and quickly dashing through sub-zero temperatures to the car for the drive home, I am chagrined to be suddenly thrust into what I termed, the “Tip and Roll Conundrum”.
It boils down to this: I notice that the person picking up the tab is preparing to leave such a scanty tip that I honestly feel embarrassed to be sharing a bill with them. This is a work colleague who outranks me, so I am hesitant to make him look cheap by suggesting he leave a larger tip. No, the waiter hasn’t been exceptional, but service was prompt, responsive and overall sufficient. I don’t expect a huge tip, but at least 10% would be reasonable, right?
The Tip and Roll Conundrum: What should I do!? I know we are under-tipping, but I’m hesitant to call out the guy signing the check. Maybe it’s because I am worried about keeping up a good relationship with my co-workers, and maybe it’s just because I’m worried that he actually doesn’t even know that he is tipping so poorly. My only option is to roll out as soon as the tip is down, escaping the stare down, even if I can’t escape the guilt.
I find myself slinking down in my chair, acting like maybe I don’t realize just how poor of a tip our waiter is about to receive. The entire dinner will be expensed to our company, and the fact that our team lead is still unprepared to give a decent tip makes me nervous, angry, and embarrassed. Giving up my dreams of a satisfied jaunt out of the restaurant and I know that I have to execute a painful tip and roll. Once that signed receipt hits the table I am up, coat on, headed for the door, feeling guilty instead of satisfied and making it out without looking back to see our waiter’s disappointed face. I’m kicking myself for letting that guy pick up the tab.
Sorry to to the waiter we tipped so poorly.
The guilt will eat at your soul. Anxiety. Indigestion…
…Until you over-tip the next guy (when you’re not on a company dindin) and all will be put to rights.
it’s all about the karma!
As luck would have it, the very next evening I was out at an expensive restaurant where I ate well, tipped very well, and put the karma train back on track. Thanks for the advice!