DEAR MISS MANNERS: Are there etiquette rules for when restaurants suggest how much to tip? Most restaurants these days are helpfully calculating various tip percentages and printing them on the check.
Typically they calculate 15%, 18% and 20%, but I’ve also seen 25%. In the past, I would calculate 20% and round up or down to a whole number of dollars. If the restaurant is helpfully suggesting 15% as a possible tip, is it rude to only tip that much?
GENTLE READER: Generally, it is not a good idea to take tipping advice from those expecting to be tipped. Often, ridiculous amounts are suggested.
But while 15% is a reasonable tip, Miss Manners hopes this will not discourage you from exercising your customary generosity.