Etiquette around gratuity is puzzling for foreigners like me. But it’s also a problem for Americans! We often don’t know whether a service provider is an employee or an independent contractor, whether they get paid well or the bare minimum, and some people seem to get offended when a tip is offered.

I’ve heard of massage therapy experts who refuse tips with the argument “Do you tip your doctor?”

Then I also hear some who feel insulted because they didn’t get a tip. Continue reading →