The Graveyard of Social Convention
In my old age, I try to remain unflappable. In my twenties, I would get upset over ever little thing. Everything bothered me. But now, water off a duck’s back. I just accept that people think differently than me. But then, I became a state worker. And a guy I worked with announced that he does not tip waitresses. Ever. Because he doesn’t have to. Well, consider me flapped.
My appeals to reason, fairness and implied contracts didn’t make a dent on his conscience. There is no law stating that he has to tip, therefore, he does not.
Oh, and that secretary I told you about. The one who disappears for hours at a time? Well, not only has she grown increasingly hostile whenever someone hands her a file, she has also taken to using the men’s restroom.
Re: the non-tipper: WHAT??!!
Re: the mens room user: WHAT??!!
September 21, 2010 at 11:41 pm
Could the secretary be transitioning F to M? I know the restroom thing is kind of a thorny issue.
Although I’ll use the men’s if the women’s is in use. I’m shameless and have the world’s tiniest bladder.
Non tipping: Yeah. The guy’s a jerk, and those waitstaff are paying taxes on putative tips, anyway.
September 22, 2010 at 12:06 pm
Oh I love work stories. They make my place of employ seem less crazy. Keep them coming.
September 23, 2010 at 9:06 am
@juliet – Hi Juliet! Aren’t you glad you aren’t in government?
@EH – I know that transitioning is a possibility, but I really don’t think that is what is happening. She is a little old lady. I think she is just nutty. Also, the bathrooms are huge, so I don’t think it’s a case of the women’s room being occupied.
@Associate girl – thanks. This maybe the nuttiest place I ever worked at. It’s kind of weird though, because the work is so mundane.
September 23, 2010 at 9:11 am
Weird on the bathroom thing but maybe she is ill, incontinent, or something. And she sucks. I’m sorry you are saddled with her.
Karma will get your coworker. There is a special place in hell for non-tippers. Does he not realize that waitstaff get LESS than minimum wage because of presumed tips? Grrr!
September 27, 2010 at 1:57 am