Pass the feeling on

Although tipping isn’t very common here, he always leaves something extra whenever we catch up for coffee or lunch. He’s naturally a kind and respectful person, but with waiters, there’s something more. You can feel it!

He is a dear friend, so one day, out of curiosity I asked

"Why do you always tip? Always!"

At first, he smiled and tried to brush it off, but with a little persistence, he finally answered.

"There are two reasons," he said. "One, because good service deserves a proper ‘thank you.’ And two... well, because I’ve been there before."

His tone shifted as he continued.

"When I was younger, I worked as a waiter to pay my bills. It wasn’t easy. Some days, I didn’t know if I’d make rent. But in those tough times, a kind word from a customer or a small tip made all the difference. It reminded me I wasn’t invisible. Maybe now, it’s my turn to pass that feeling on."

That conversation stayed with me for the entire day. It made me reflect on my own journey. The people who, in my hardest moments, gave me hope and direction. It’s easy to focus on our own efforts, all that hard work, persistence, goal setting, but success is never a solo act.

We are shaped by those who support us, especially in our moments of failure.

Let’s be the person who makes someone’s day just a little bit brighter.

----

Photo: My trip to Vicenza