A man I’d been talking to for a few weeks asked me out for dinner.
He works as a teacher and seemed funny, calm, and easy to talk to.
When he asked where I wanted to go, I mentioned my favorite restaurant but told him it was pretty expensive.
He insisted.
So we went.
We ordered appetizers, had a couple of drinks, dinner, and dessert. The conversation was good, and honestly, I was enjoying myself.
The bill came to a little over $600.
He didn’t complain. He handed the server his card and kept talking to me.
A few minutes later, she came back with the receipt.
He looked at it and asked why she had added a suggested gratuity.
She politely explained that it was optional.
His whole attitude changed.
He started questioning her about small charges and then said, “You already get paid. Why should I give you extra for doing your job?”
She looked embarrassed but stayed professional.
Then he wrote $0 on the tip line.
That was the moment the date changed for me.
Before we left, I quietly found the server and gave her cash.
Outside, he smiled and asked when we could do this again.
I told him I’d text him.
I didn’t.
The dinner was expensive, but the most important thing I learned that night didn’t cost me anything.
