(4) 'The Christmas Tip'.

[Ken]

In 1975 I would often work late, I would inform my wife to expect me when she saw me and to make life easier I would buy a chinese takeaway. Back then, my usual order was for a 'special fried rice with a pancake roll', which would cost me about eighty pence. Today the same meal costs in the region of nine pounds.

The young man who almost always served me, both in the restaurant and takeaway sections, was called Jason, and as Christmas was almost upon us I felt, as I waited for yet another takeaway, I should show my appreciation for the smiling way he had served me throughout the year. I planned when my meal arrived to pay him with a five pound note, wish him a happy Christmas and say keep the change. This I duly did and the beam of surprised delight that erupted on his face pleased me, until I realised he was holding a twenty pound note. It has been estimated that twenty pounds in 1975 is worth two hundred and forty seven pounds in today's money, so do the arithmetic.............that was one hell of a tip!  There is a saying that goes, 'you make your own bed, so lie in it,' and that was the quote that entered my head all those years ago. I smiled at Jason, picked up my meal, and went home,  but the story does not quite end there.
 
When I next went and ordered a takeaway I was treated like a king, an, 'on the house', cold beer was given to me  to enjoy while I waited, and this continued with every takeaway until we moved house many years later. In the future, whenever I required a table in the restaurant, it was mine, however late I booked, and with their entire staff, nothing was ever too much trouble.

 So you see my unplanned gift had many unexpected advantages, and if I could offer anyone some advice, its to always show your appreciation, always tip, and you know what, doing something nice makes you feel great, everybody wins, and the worlds a better place!

[Ken]

This story shows how an accidentally high tip to a restaurant worker paid for itself time and time again.  Stingy people take note!