Send letter of praise in lieu of tip

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Has there ever been an instance of refused tips from a provider of service? I believe I have one such in captivity!

The pharmacy I use provides optional free delivery of medications. The nice young man who brings my meds refuses my tip, explaining that he has a great job that allows him to drive around and listen to music all day … and I think he’s implying that that’s enough of a blessed life for him.

I believe he deserves a tip. My building isn’t easy to access, and once he finds a parking space he must walk down a long sidewalk and then take an elevator to the eighth floor.

Not only does he deserve a tip, but I am genuinely appreciative of his assistance. I suppose “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink,” as this results in a refusal each time he delivers, every month. Should I just stop offering and swallow my feelings?

GENTLE READER: Your feelings? What about the feelings of the person you want to reward?

It is indeed rare for anyone to refuse a tip nowadays, but historically, pride made the American working class disdain such handouts.

Miss Manners realizes that there are modern working situations in which the opportunity to be tipped is counted as part of the basic pay, which is correspondingly low. This has led to distasteful behavior on both sides of the tip. Trolling for tips, in the form of conspicuous “tip jars” or queries of “Do you want change from that?” are commonplace. And because tips are nominally voluntary, there are people who underpay or even skip them.

But money is not the only way to show appreciation. You could both respect and reward this proud young gentleman by writing an effusive letter about his exemplary service to his employer.

DEAR MISS MANNERS: When a couple enters a restaurant, is it the man’s responsibility to locate the restrooms?

GENTLE READER: If he is in need of one, yes. The lady is not going to scout around for him.