Take a tip from me

I read an article the other day which practically labelled me a guilt-free psychopath - I'm not, am I? According to 'Inside Science' published by the BBC, we give those who serve us tips, on top of their regular charge, largely because of guilt.  We feel awkward being served by others and use tipping to compensate the other person for being in a subservient position. Except that I don't, well, not that often anyway. Unless I'm in the US and then I do respect when there that tipping is part of the culture. I haven't travelled to Japan but apparently tipping there is considered an insult. Sounds like my sort of country.  A Professor Lynn at Cornell University has begun to study tipping levels in various countries and has found that tipping rates are higher in countries with higher levels of neurosis - such as America. Maybe that's why it's increasingly expected as a matter of course in worried old London.  Apparently if you write 'thank you' on your bill or invoice, you are more likely to get a tip than not - it's the personal touch that counts. In my defence, I was very late for my appointment at my hairdresser this Saturday and though I still couldn't bring myself to give a tip, I did return with a bunch of flowers by way of apology - is that personal enough for you?