would that I were a waitress anywhere else

Manet: Waitress serving glasses of beer

This article proves that Provoans know not how to tip, because I have either done these things for patrons, or seen patrons exhibit the behavior that warrants a larger gratuity, (i.e."camping",) and rarely do they leave more than fifteen percent, let alone twenty. Ask any waiter here in Utah Valley, and they'll happily gripe to you about it.

And to be fair, I'm not the perfect server. I've been rude to tables, unintentionally or otherwise, and at those times I feel no reason to expect much, (though getting stiffed hurts, friends) but when I give stellar service, it hurts all the more when the tip comes back four dollars on a fifty five dollar check. Ouch.

I don't mean to just whine. Please read the article, and take those factors into consideration next time you're dining out. If a server made your dining experience exceptional, truly thank them; don't take it for granted. And please please please don't think that given the financial state of things you can save a few bucks on the gratuity. As the mantra of me and my co-workers goes: "If you can't afford the tip, you can't afford to eat out." There now. You're a better person. :)