Tipping cost me a friendship.

About two years ago, Natalie, Edward and I dined out.* When the bill arrived, I tossed my credit card for my portion—inclusive of gratuity and tax—but Natalie was up in arms about the amount I was willing to pay. She pulled out a calculator to tabulate the tip portion because she was “bad at math” I later found out. I had correctly calculated a fair tip in my head. Today, we’re not friends, but the truth is, debating the server’s tip (a senseless thing, really) was probably a catalyst to something else.

Wondering about Edward? He was laughing the entire time.

Woosa.

So, the moral of this story is this: know whom you're dining with before the check arrives. But, when you do dine out, how much should you tip your server? Vote in the poll and share your thoughts in the comments section. Click here to read about the tip/no tip revolution too.

* Names changed.

Read the AJC Fall Dining Guide, Atlanta Around the Clock, here .

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Yemaya Lyles (right) wipes away tears during a news conference in front of the Rockdale County Public Schools administration building on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. Lyles' son, Antonio, was assaulted by a paraprofessional, who has since been fired and charged with battery. Lyles says her case against the school district has dragged on since then. (Miguel Martinez/AJC 2023)

Credit: Miguel Martinez