- Was my birthday-dinner gift enough, or should I feel embarrassed that my guests tipped too?
A letter-writer took a couple out for the husband's 60th birthday, paid a $400 bill and left a 25% tip, then the guests handed cash to the staff anyway despite knowing. She felt like creeping out and never returning, asking 'Why wasn't my gift enough?' The hosts: you are prideful and sensitive — the guests knew you paid and just enjoyed giving more; it was thunder-stealing but nothing to be embarrassed about. The Secular persona says her gift was enough and the celebration was a success. Side discussion: whether a $100 tip sets a bar you would be afraid to fall below, including one host's $100 tip to a Hy-Vee server on her last day.
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