Tipping

It takes a book like "Etiquette" to explain when and whom to tip. It's silly enough that restaurants automatically tip large parties - aren't tips a way of showing your appreciation? How do you show your level of gratitude if someone does it for you?

Ok, I understand (though don't agree with) the fact that restaurant prices are computed with me paying most of the waitperson's salary. I think they should charge what it really costs to run the establishment & let me tack on a little sumthin' if I'm so inspired. It's easier to judge prices this way.

But that's eutopia. What brought up this diatribe? A tip jar at a sub shop saying "TIPS - pretty please". I though "hey, I'm the waiter here! I'm giving my order to the 'chef' and I'm carrying the food to the table. I'm preparing the drink and clearing the table. I should be tipping myself."

The 9" italian sub on wheat was $8. Not cheap. I don't understand where this sense of entitlement comes from.