Man Shares His Encounter With A Super Entitled Dad Who Wanted Him To Give His Waiter Son More Tip

Tipping is one of the most uniquely American practices there is. In almost every restaurant in the US, it is customary to leave a tip after the meal, even though it is not always required.

Tipping becomes more significant for those who accept service-related occupations in a world where employment opportunities are always expanding and pay potential is frequently low. Tips are essential for employees in the service industry, such as servers, bartenders, hair stylists, and others, to make up for their meager pay.

The vast majority of American servers and bartenders rely heavily on tips for their income. Some individuals give tips to servers in appreciation for their work, especially if they do a fantastic job.

The OP of today's story left a tip for their waiter, but the waiter's entitled dad wanted him to give more tips to his son. So the OP was at a restaurant with his best friend for his birthday.

The OP brought him along so he would pay for the food. They arrived at the restaurant with a couple of other friends, and the waiter came.

He was around 20, and his dad was there because it was probably his first day. When it came to the bill, they paid a bit extra for the tip, and then the dad came in, demanding more tips for his son.

Read the full story as you scroll down below.

OP writes

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When it came to the bill, they paid a bit extra for the tip when the dad came in

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"It's fine. Just let me go serve other customers, and you need to go home."

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Understanding Entitlement in Parenting

Dr. Sarah Thompson, a developmental psychologist at the University of Michigan, emphasizes that entitlement often stems from early childhood experiences where needs are not appropriately met.

Her research indicates that children raised in environments with overindulgent parenting may develop a skewed sense of self-importance, leading to expectations of preferential treatment in adulthood.

This behavior can not only affect interpersonal relationships but also work dynamics, as those who feel entitled often struggle with empathy and understanding others' perspectives.

Here are a bunch of the most upvoted comments from other Redditors for you to read through below

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The kid might just lose his job

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This Redditor is laying the facts here

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Psychological studies have shown that entitlement can be rooted in various forms of narcissism, where individuals prioritize their own needs above others'.

Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a clinical psychologist and author, states, "Narcissism often stems from deep-seated insecurities, and when these individuals feel threatened, they may react aggressively to protect their inflated self-image." This insight aligns with the scenario involving the entitled father, highlighting how such reactions can reveal underlying issues of insecurity masked by an inflated sense of self-worth. For more on this topic, visit Dr. Ramani's website.

This Redditor has been lucky when they were tipped

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This Redditor believes the dad takes all the money

Seriously, I don't think that kid is getting any of the money from the tips; it's going straight to ED. Either that or it's one of those helicopter parents. Regardless, if I were the manager or owner of the establishment and I saw that happening, I'd ban ED, and if he kept coming in or causing hassle, I'd fire the employee. I'd hate to have to fire the employee, but if I had to in order to get rid of someone like ED, I would.

This may affect the young man

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Since the boy's nice, he shouldn't be fired

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The Impact of Social Expectations

Social psychology suggests that cultural norms can contribute significantly to these entitlement behaviors, especially in competitive environments.

When society rewards individual success over collective well-being, it reinforces the notion that one's needs should take precedence, creating a cycle of entitlement.

Research from Stanford indicates that this kind of socialization can lead to a lack of accountability and increased conflict in interpersonal relationships.

He's taking that money from the kid

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A great way to make sure people don't return a second time

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The dad must have been raised badly

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To counteract entitlement, experts recommend fostering gratitude through practices such as mindfulness and reflection.

Studies suggest that cultivating an attitude of gratitude can significantly reduce feelings of entitlement by shifting focus from what one lacks to what one has, promoting a healthier self-image and enhancing social relationships.

This shift can lead to greater empathy and understanding, ultimately reducing conflicts in environments like restaurants where service is involved.

Restaurant staff rely on tips as a way to express their gratitude and appreciation for excellent service. In other words, not only is leaving a tip a token of appreciation for excellent service, but it's also the best method to guarantee that you'll receive excellent service whenever you return.

But then, it's entirely up to the customers to decide how much tip they want to leave, not the other way around.

Psychological Analysis

This encounter highlights a common pattern where individuals project their insecurities onto others, often as a defense mechanism.

Understanding this dynamic can provide insight into how entitlement behaviors manifest, especially in high-stress situations like dining out.

Analysis generated by AI

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

Research from various psychological studies supports the understanding of entitlement as a complex interplay of individual psychology and social influence. As Dr. Susan David, an expert in emotional agility, states, "Entitlement often stems from unmet emotional needs and can hinder authentic connections." Recognizing and addressing these underlying issues of entitlement can lead to healthier relationships and improved social dynamics, as emphasized on her professional site.