We had dinner at one of our favorite spots in town tonight. There’s normally a considerable wait to get in – especially on a Friday night. If we can get in at all. Wait too late and they’ll tell you that they’re booked for the rest of the night.
Not tonight. There were two other couples waiting with us the few minutes before they opened, but in the hour or so we were there the place never filled up. In fact, it didn’t come close.
We enjoyed our meal and a couple drinks. When the check came, I noticed immediately that they had charged me $9.50 or my $6.50 beer. I pointed this out to the waiter and he immediately took the check away and corrected it. When he came back, I gave him cash with almost $20 change due back. A few minutes later he came back and left $9 on the table. After waiting a while, I stepped over to the register and caught his eye. I started to explain and he immediately went to the register and handed me correct change. He’s been there for years and has always been great, so I gave him the same 20 plus percent tip I usually do.
I’ve heard and read many times that tough times put people to the test. That petty crime goes up during recessions and more so during depressions. It seems to be a sad fact that folks who manage to stay honest when times are good are pushed over the edge when the economy tanks.
Of course I give this waiter the benefit of the doubt. Of course I want to think that he was just having an off night. But I’d also be crazy not to feel like I need to check the tab and change a little more closely from now on.
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