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First dates can be exciting, or they can quickly turn awkward. Here’s the story of a woman who watched her date demean their waitress by using a reward-based tipping system. Now, people online are praising how she handled the situation.
Beautiful Beginnings
The original poster, whom we’ll refer to as Maya, met Theo on a dating app. Since most people have busy lives, dating apps have become quite common.
The First Date
Maya and Theo talked online and hit it off. They eventually agreed to set up their first date.
Things started well, and Maya found herself at a restaurant with Theo.
The Start of a Bad Game
As they talked, the waitress walked up to their table and asked them what they planned to order. Maya ordered, but then things quickly took a turn.
Tip Game Reveals True Colors
Theo placed $15 on the table and then proceeded to tell the waitress, “This is your tip. Every time you mess up, I take some away.”
First Date Fiasco
The waitress immediately looked nervous, and Maya was embarrassed by what she’d just witnessed.
New to the Job
Shortly after, the waitress spilled some drinks on Maya’s table and brought the wrong food. The waitress appeared to be new at her job and looked a bit lost.
Controversial Tip Strategy
Theo noticed this and deducted money from the initial $15 he had on the table. By the end of their meal, there was only $2 left.
Clash of Values
Puzzled, Maya asked Theo why he thought tipping like this was a good idea. Theo told her it was the best way to ensure good service.
Unusual Tip Approach
Maya disagreed, but Theo responded, “Can’t always be nice to these people. It’s not a respectable job.”
It didn’t take long for Maya to realize she wanted nothing to do with Theo after this date.
An Unsettling Twist
She then slapped a $20 bill on the table and got up to pay for her meal. Later that night, Theo demanded to know why Maya had left their waitress a tip despite providing bad service.
Standing Up for Service Workers
Maya told Theo she tipped because he had treated the waitress’s livelihood like a game. Theo tried to explain to Maya that because of her, the waitress would never improve her service.
No More Games
Maya blocked Theo and moved on with her life, but she will most likely remember this experience for a lifetime.
Sparking Bad Service
One reader commented, “…So he made her nervous, which likely made her service worse.”
Running from Games
“You were terrific,” another reader said, complimenting Maya. “Although as soon as I saw ‘the game,’ I would have just left. Why waste time, energy…”
Treating People With Respect
“I’ve heard of that before, and if I was a waiter, I would be offended by this garbage and wouldn’t wait on him,” another wrote. “It’s a horrible way to treat people.”
First and Last Date
Many are saying Theo’s “tipping game” made the waitress nervous, causing her to make mistakes. This may or may not be true, but either way, Maya surely had an experience she’ll never forget.
How do you tip when you go out to eat at restaurants?
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