DEAR MISS MANNERS: I placed a rush order (two hours’ notice) for four items for my local grocery store’s curbside service. I parked in the appropriate spot, informed them I was there, then proceeded to wait almost 30 minutes for my items. (Someone from the store did assure me, about 10 minutes in, that my order was coming.)
When my order arrived, the young man apologized for my long wait with what seemed like great sincerity. I told him “thank you” and asked him to place my items in the trunk. He then apologized again, wearing a look that seemed to indicate he was waiting for a different response.
I thanked him again, both after the second apology and after my groceries were safely in my trunk. Was there something else I should have said?
GENTLE READER: Of course you know that he was hoping for a tip. And while Miss Manners sympathizes with tip fatigue, you should have given him one. He may or may not be paid a pittance, but he depends on tips. And it wasn’t his fault that the order was delayed.
Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.