DEAR MISS MANNERS: I purchased a drink at a espresso store that got here to $4.22 with tax. I used to be introduced with three tip choices: $1, $2 or $3 — 25%, 50% or 75%, respectively.
Since there weren’t any seats left within the store, and due to this fact I used to be taking my espresso to go (thus lowering the necessity to clear off a desk or in any other case take care of my presence within the retailer), I tipped $1 (25%).
The barista glared at me as if I’d insulted her, and regarded like she’d been slapped within the face.
What am I lacking? I notice espresso store staff aren’t wealthy, however my job doesn’t pay extravagant wages, both. I tip extra once I devour my drink within the store, or once I pose some type of inconvenience to the employees.
GENTLE READER: In terms of tipping, which is meant to be a praise, it’s nearly unattainable to not insult somebody someway.
Miss Manners as soon as discovered herself giving offense by tipping a lodge employee for storing her baggage. Evidently he was a supervisor, and thus above accepting suggestions — a stance she admires however hardly ever encounters.
The tip Miss Manners will provide you with is to tip in money. Doing it electronically, and in full view of the opposite get together, is designed to disgrace the shopper into being extra beneficiant than supposed. Higher to not fall for it.
DEAR MISS MANNERS: I’ve a number of previous buddies scattered across the nation who will solely speak on the telephone in the event that they’re actively doing one thing else.
This results in a wide range of acoustic challenges: wind or site visitors noise, transactions with shopkeepers, dishes banging, and so on.
One in every of my oldest buddies even says, once I name, “Wait, I’ll put on my headset and go walking.” The decision immediately deteriorates in sound high quality. After I complained that it was taxing to all the time should discern background clatter from her phrases, she protested, “Well, I can’t just talk to you!”
I’m responsible of this, too — I as soon as discovered myself taking part in chess on-line whereas chatting with my mom — however I do typically want there was a method round this contemporary behavior of fixed multitasking.
I ought to add that it appears odd and unfriendly to require all events to offer me their full consideration whereas I communicate to them.
GENTLE READER: Sure, we’re all responsible of this. Effectively, nearly all. And sure, some are higher at disguising it than others.
However telephone calls that sound like they’re coming from a wind tunnel — or worse, ones which might be interrupted by screams of “You chowder-headed flapdoodle! No, not you. I was talking to this know-nothing!” — are usually not the profitable examples of multitasking they suppose they’re.
Miss Manners means that if it turns into too distracting, you supply to name again or meet up in individual. Ideally indoors and away from site visitors.
DEAR MISS MANNERS: I’ve been using to the fitness center with an individual twice per week, however I need to cease as a result of I’m not having fun with being along with her. What is an effective technique to let her know with out harm emotions?
GENTLE READER: “I have to change the days that I work out.”
Please ship your inquiries to Miss Manners at her web site, www.missmanners.com; to her e-mail, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or via postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas Metropolis, MO 64106.
