The Editors
Usually tipping is a practice that is up to the customer. Like saying thanks, it is an expression of gratitude to the person who served you. If you feel that this waitress did not meet the minimum expectations of what a server is hired and trained to do, then sure, you can leave a lower tip. Perhaps leaving a single dollar is a bit extreme and offensive, but it is better than not leaving a tip at all. Someone not carrying out his or her job properly is universally unacceptable, whether one is a waitress with a sassy attitude, or a doctor that prescribes the wrong medicine. Perhaps you are not the only one who has received negative vibes from this specific waitress; if she keeps receiving low tips from other customers as well, then she might learn to change her attitude or find another profession where she does not have to seem pleasant. So yes, it is okay to leave a small or meager tip; it is a reflection of the mediocre service you received from your server. A higher tip may give her the impression that she provided excellent service. She will not wonder if there is anything she should make changes to and will not learn from her mistakes. Therefore, she will continue to perform poorly. So help her out; give her a small tip.