“Tipping”

The other day, my beautiful bride and I ate supper at a restaurant chain.
Upon my receipt of the bill, I noticed at the bottom, the somewhat ubiquitous break down of tip amounts. I remember the first time I saw such a reminder, it had 10,12, and 15 percent amounts broken down for you.
The one currently in my hand had 20, 25, and 30 percent amounts.

Now I never was the biggest fan of a 20% tip, I always thought 15% was fair. I occasionally would provide a 20% tip for superior service, a 25-30% tip? Someone has lost their damn minds.

“Well inflation has hit everyone!”
Some would say, I would have to respond “The nice thing about a percentage is that it is ‘inflation proof”.
As the bill rises, so does the tip.”

I decided several years ago, that I would not tip on ‘taxes’ collected.
Therefore I only tip on the subtotal amount prior to taxes.
I’ve also decided that I’ll no longer tip more than 15 percent. Most restaurant bills are now approaching $100.00. Therefore $15.00 to make sure my drink stays full should be more than adequate.

I also never tip for counter service.
The purpose of a tip is to reward the wait staff for superior attention. If I’m getting my own food and drink, what am I tipping someone for?