Page 10 - BSB_10_25

By Lou DugganIs Tipping in Our Culture ‘Out of Control’?R adio host and financial adviser Dave Ramsey has been vocal about what he sees as tipping abuse, especially the rise of guilt-driven or forced tipping in situations where it traditionallywasn’t expected.Ramsey is not alone in his assessment.Nearly nine in ten Americans agree that tipping has “gotten out of control,” and seven in ten reports being asked to tip in more places than five years ago. Nationwide full-service restaurants see an average tip of 19.4 percent, while Texans tip about 18.7 percent on average— figures that are back to or even above pre-pandemic levels. In addition, 83 percent of consumers believe automatic service charges should be banned.Nearly three in five consumers feel businesses are using tips to replace employer responsibility for fair wages while shifting the burden onto customers. Locally, waiters and waitresses report that major chain restaurants pay as little as $2.16 per hour. They use digital payment systems, powered by AI and machine learning, to make tipping prompts unavoidable. Point- of-sale screens now default to suggested tip percentages, often optimized by AI to maximize gratuities. Such technology now tracks hundreds of variables— time of day, menu items ordered, even weather— todisplay dynamic tip options tailored to each transaction. This tech-driven ubiquity shifts tipping from a genuine “thank you” to an expected act.Criteria for Meaningful TippingA good tipping criterion is to reservegratuities for service that genuinely exceeds baseline expectations. Evaluate performance across five core dimensions and match your tip percentage or flat amount to the level of excellence provided: 1. Attentiveness. Did the server anticipate needs, refill drinks proactively, and check in at just the right moments?2. Timeliness. Was the service prompt, order accuracy high, and your time respected?3. Personalization. Did they remember your preferences, offer tailored recommendations, or add thoughtful flourishes?4. Problem-Solving. Did they manage mistakes gracefully, propose alternatives, and go the extra mile to fix issues?5. Emotional Labor. Did they maintain empathy, positivity, and professionalism— even during busy or stressful periods? Graceful Strategies to Push BackIf you are tipping fatigued, there are polite ways to send a message without awkwardness:1. Express appreciation, then state your policy:Halloween Craft Ideas For KidsHBy Staffwhimsy and imagination, whether that involves choosing a clever costume or helping design the theme and scope of home decorations.Parents, guardians and educators can channel the creativity inspired by Halloween into various craft projects. Crafts can not only keep children busy when the“I’m bored”lamentations inevitably turn up, but crafts also are a way to keep children off of screens. Plus, the items that children create can be used to decorate rooms in the house — helping to curb added expenses on commercial decor.“Thank you for the service—I’ve decided to tip only for full-service scenarios today.”2. Point out existing fees:“I see the service charge is already included, so I’ll skip the extra tip.”3. Be honest about budget:“I’m on a tight budget this week, but I really appreciate what you’ve done.”4. Offer constructive feedback:“The experience fell short of my expectations—if things improve, I’d be happy to tip next time.”5. Redirect praise:Leave a brief, handwritten note or an email to management highlighting what went well, so workers still get recognition even without monetary tips.Beyond the TransactionTo help restore tipping as a genuine token of appreciation rather than an obligatory line item, combine your personal criteria with collective action: Write public reviews that highlight exceptional service. Support businesses that pay living wages and do not rely on tips to cover labor costs. Encourage payment-platform providers to offer a no-tip default or low-tip presets. Bytipping only when service truly deserves it—and advocating for fair wage models— you realign tipping with its original purpose- --rewarding excellence.Ramsey suggests a clear line between authentic generosity and socially pressured giving. He believes tipping should come from a place of gratitude for genuine service— not from guilt. He criticizes the now-common practice where a fast-food cashier flips a screen toward the customer, prompting a tip before any real service is provided. He calls it a “manipulation” and “nickel-and-diming you to death.” His response? “You can flip that screen at me all you want. I’m not tipping.”K Construction“For All Your Home Exterior Needs” 25+ Years of Customer Services• Patio Covers• Decks• Custom Fencing • Fence Stain &Restoration• Painting• Fascia & Siding• Garage Remodeling • Room Additions• Steel Buildings• Windows & Doors • Insulation• Kitchen & Bathroom RemodelingWe Offer:Licensed & InsuredRoger Kretz Watch Me(210) 441-8441rogerkretz@yahoo.comOnBACK TOSCHOOLWITH CONFIDENCESpeech Therapy Pediatric Feeding TeletherapyAccepting New Clients Insurance May Cover Services!CONTACT US! (210) 495-9944 www.stoneoakspeech.comalloween is an enjoyable holiday for all, but particularly for children. Kids enjoy the opportunity to channel theirThe following are some Halloween crafts children can make alone or with the help of older siblings and parents.Jack’s slimeThe toothy grins of jack-o’-lanterns can be seen just about everywhere come Halloween, and the bright orange color of pumpkins heralds the start of fall. What better way to say“Halloween is here” than with a craft that can be displayed and also played with? Slime is something that’s always a big hit with kids. Here’s a recipe for slime, courtesy of The Best Ideas for Kids.• 6 ounces of Elmer’s glue (substituting with another brand of glue may not produce the same results)• Orange food coloring to create desired hue• 1⁄2 teaspoon of baking soda• 11⁄2 tablespoons of contact lens solution (one that contains boric acid in the ingredient list, as that is what causes the chemical reaction to form slime)• Optional: 2 tablespoons of water added to the glue before the baking soda if you desire a stretchier slime• Black felt or black construction paper, cut into the eyes and mouth of a jack-o’-lantern• Small mason jar with lidDecorate the mason jar using a bit of glue to stick the black paper or felt face pieces to the outside of the jar. Mix all the ingredients of the slime in a small bowl and pour into the decorated jar.Forest spiderTake a trip to a nearby forest or wooded trail and gather up round pinecones that have fallen. Purchase brown pipe cleaners and cut four of the cleaners in half to form eight legs. Glue the legs on the pinecone and attach several small googly eyes and two larger ones to form the eyes of the spider.Paper roll treat holdersRather than discarding the tubes inside of paper towel or toilet paper rolls, let kids transform them into monster craft treat holders. They’ll be perfect for party favors or even to give out to neighborhood trick-or-treaters. Cover the bottoms of the rolls with masking tape so treats won’t fall out. Paint the outside of the cardboard rolls and let dry. An alternative is to cover the rolls in colored paper for less messy fun. Then use markers or paper cut-outs to form faces of the monsters. Fill the rolls with treats, then stuff a piece of tissue paper in each top to add even more personality to the creations and hide the treats inside.Ghostly leavesMake a truly eco-friendly craft on Halloween, with ghosts made out of leaves, eliminating the need to use extra paper. Paint large leaves with white paint. On the narrow-most point on top of the leaves, paint black eyes and mouths. When completely dry, scatter on a table or sideboard for some scary fun, or use double-sided tape to stick to windows and doors10www.bsbhighlights.comOctober 2025CALL TODAY