DarkExplora

I recently heard this story. Thoughts? “I tipped $7 on a $120 takeout order. The cashier looked at the screen, then looked directly at me. “Only $7?” I thought she was joking. “Yes, $7.” She called her manager over. He looked at me and said, “If you can afford to spend $120 on food, you can afford to leave a 20% tip.” I calmly replied, “I thought tipping was optional.” He said, “Then we have the right to refuse you service.” There were people standing behind me, listening to the entire conversation. Suddenly, I felt like I was being publicly shamed for not giving enough money. So I made a decision. I cancelled the entire $120 order, asked for my money back, and walked out. I had no problem leaving a tip. I had a problem with being told how much I was morally obligated to give, especially when I was picking up takeout rather than receiving full table service. A tip is supposed to be a gesture of appreciation, not a payment demanded through guilt or public humiliation. If businesses believe workers deserve better pay, shouldn't that responsibility fall primarily on the employer rather than the customer? But now I'm curious… Was cancelling the entire order justified, or was a $7 tip on an $120 takeout order actually cheap? I want to hear both sides.”