It's actually fun to tip those who exceed your expectations. Being generous to good servers is it's own reward. I also find tipping to be a great tell on those with whom you are dining.[/quote]
That is true, I will only glance at your tip amount once and then pad mine if your cheap. Then you can dine on your own in case the server has a really good memory and decides to "garnish" your no tipping A$$.
I'm nominating this one for Post of the Year.
SeacrestKristi -- Yes, massage therapists get tipped. I usu. tip 20% to them. When I've bought gift certificates for massages to give as gifts, they don't let me include a tip, because they have no idea who will be giving the massage and it is too difficult to keep track of allocation of the cash, especially when a gift certificate may be valid for six months or a year. So, instead, I just enclose a $20 bill with the gift certificate and let the recipient know that it is for the tip. It is a bummer when you work in the customer service business and, even though you might be paid well, a customer leaves without tipping. You feel almost rejected, or that you didn't do your job well, because most people tip. As a couple people have mentioned, it is funn to tip heavy sometimes. It may change the attitude of the person for the remainder of the day and make them feel special. It is the gift which makes US feel good. It isn't always possible to tip heavy, but you shouldn't always stick to your guns about 20%, especially if the bill is under $10. WoW somebody every once in a while.