DEAR SOMEONE ELSE’S MOM: If I hadn’t seen it, I would never believe it. Last Saturday my sister and a three of our old friends were out at the restaurant we usually go to when we’re all home for a visit. We have been going to this place for years. After we paid the bill, I headed to the restroom and when I came out, I saw one of our friends slipping the tips we left into her bag. Everyone else was out in front of the restaurant waiting for us, with them thinking our friend had gone back to get something she left at the table. Well she certainly did get something.
I mentioned what I saw to my sister, but now we don’t know what to do. Should we tell the others? Should we confront our friend with what I know? --- FRIEND OF A TIP THIEF
DEAR FRIEND OF A TIP THIEF: I can think of a few reasons why your friend took the tip. She could be hard up for cash, she could be greedy, she could think it’s funny. Whatever her motive, it’s not a normal thing to do and you need to talk to her about it, privately. I can’t see what would be gained by mentioning the situation to your other friends until you have a better idea of what’s going on with your tip-taking buddy.