A new NPR report looks at why and how people choose to tip (or not!). Is it on merit that we're compelled to give a little something extra, based on the service that we've received?
"You could vomit on my plate, and I would still tip you 20%," said Jessica Gibson, a waitress at an Oklahoma pub.
Anthropologist George Foster, the report points out, said that we tip because we feel guilty for having someone wait on us -- social pressure, in other words (ever get a raised eyebrow from a tablemate who's judging your tip choice?).
What's your tipping style? Do you give a set gratuity to show your gratitude no matter how you were treated, or hold back based on shoddy service? Or do you let social pressure dictate your tip?