Single mom allegedly does not leave tip for meal
Last week, a story was featured on the Huffington Post that has become quite the topic of conversation. Reportedly, a single mother went to a restaurant and was given a bill of $138.35. However, on the section where she was to provide a tip, she simply wrote “Single mom, sorry” followed by “Thank you, it was great” at the bottom of the receipt. Aside from the fact that someone was able to pay for $140 worth of food but would then turn around and not tip their server, this story has received even more national attention because the person was a single mother.
Some people have commented on the news story, stating that they don’t understand how anyone could afford to spend that much money on a meal, but then couldn’t find an additional $20 for a tip. Others find it to be offensive that someone would use being a single parent as some kind of excuse for not providing a tip. One person put it this way: “Single mom does not mean unemployed. She has $140 to spend on a meal; it does not mean that her kid goes unfed. She can afford a tip. That is what this is about.” Then, there are others who find the story to be so ludicrous that they wonder if it is even true. However, you can interview a server at just about any restaurant in your city and they will tell you about a time when they were royally stiffed by a customer. It’s not a rare occurrence.
Personally, I think that this story, true or not, does bring up some things to think about. What if the woman legitimately short on cash? Should she receive additional sympathy on not leaving a tip? If you are a single parent or were raised by one, then you certainly know that it can make life really challenging; especially financially. On the other hand, if you are a single parent, can you empathize with this story or are you among those who are offended by it? Do you feel like it gives single parents (and single parenting) a bad name?
There are already enough stigmas that come with raising children in a one-parent home without stories like these going viral.
What are your thoughts about it?
Links:
‘Single mom no tip’ outrageous receipt goes viral – National restaurant news | Examiner.com
The tipping system n the USA was developed by the
Restaurant association to keep store profits n the pockets
of the owners… The system is flawed. Though the expectation
Has been set to provide a tip, it is still up to the Individual. Who cares what
excuse was used? Simple a case of poor taste.
Hey DC,
Thanks for sharing your comments/viewpoint. It really does come down to a “judgement” issue….not so much a “single parent issue” in my mind. The attention was generated as a result of this woman using her single parenthood status as a reason not to leave a tip. However, I think if she had used the right “judgement”, then she would not have racked up a $138+ bill in the first place if she knew of the limited funds in her purse.
Blessings to you….
— Traci
Hey there, DC!
I hear you on the point regarding the Restaurant Association and keeping profits in their pockets (by providing low wages to servers). But, regardless, as you said…we have a case of “poor taste” here. I absolutely support single parents…but in this case…we see that not was poor taste executed, but maybe poor judgement to incur a bill of that amount in the first place??
Thanks so much, DC, for your comments. Very much appreciated!
—Traci