AITA for not tipping after horrible service at a restaurant?

In the world of dining out, tipping has long been a topic of heated debate. A recent Reddit thread has sparked a lively discussion about the ethics of tipping when service falls below expectations.

The original poster, a 28-year-old man, shared his experience of a disastrous dinner date that left him questioning the very premise of tipping. After facing rudeness from the waiter and receiving cold, tasteless food, he felt justified in withholding a tip, while his girlfriend argued that even poor service merits some form of gratuity.

The crux of the debate lies in the expectations surrounding service and how much weight we place on the concept of tipping. While many Reddit users have weighed in with varying opinions, the conversation has highlighted the complexity of the issue.

Is it fair to withhold a tip entirely based on one bad experience, or should a small gesture be made to acknowledge the waiter's efforts, however minimal they may have been? As the discussion unfolds, it raises broader questions about the tipping culture itself.

Should tips serve as a reward for good service, or should they also consider the challenges faced by service workers in a demanding industry? Join the conversation and share your thoughts on this nuanced topic.

Original Post

I (28M) recently went out to eat at a local restaurant with my girlfriend for a celebratory dinner. The service was abysmal - the waiter was rude, got our orders wrong, and took forever to bring our food.

To make matters worse, the food was cold and tasteless when it finally arrived. It was clear that the staff were either overwhelmed or just didn't care.

When the bill came, my girlfriend suggested we leave a tip as she felt bad for the waiter. However, I was furious at the whole experience and firmly believed that bad service should not be rewarded with a tip.

I refused to leave any extra money on top of the bill, which sparked a heated debate between us. I argued that tipping is for good service, not for incompetence or disrespect.

My girlfriend, on the other hand, thought it was important to still leave something as the waiter might rely on tips for their income. For context, I usually tip generously for good service, but this time I just couldn't justify it.

My girlfriend ended up leaving a tip on her own while I sat there feeling frustrated. So, Reddit, am I the a*****e for not tipping for bad service when my girlfriend did?

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