Servers in the American restaurant industry rely on tips to make a livable wage. While some argue that restaurants should bear the responsibility of paying their waitstaff better, leaving the burden on customers remains the norm. Unfortunately, this system isn’t always fair. Even if a waiter provides excellent service, customers can still choose to leave an inadequate tip. For the waiter, it can mean struggling to make ends meet.

In Los Angeles, a waiter recently served a group of teens who were headed to their homecoming dance. The waiter remembered his own high school experience, eagerly looking forward to his own homecoming dance. He wanted to ensure that the teens had a memorable time at the restaurant, so he went out of his way to provide exceptional service.

However, when the bill arrived, the teens left him a measly $3.28 tip. This amount could barely cover a drink at Starbucks, let alone help the waiter pay his mounting bills. The waiter couldn’t help but feel a sense of disdain towards these teenagers who seemed oblivious to the value of hard work, assuming they were entitled and looked down on people like him.

Days later, the waiter received an unexpected letter from the group of teens. In the letter, one of them apologized on behalf of their friends and themselves for the inadequate tip. They explained that as inexperienced 13-year-olds, they were clueless about tipping etiquette. They had emptied their pockets, not realizing the smallness of their offering. Only later did they understand their mistake and feel horrible about it.

The letter continued: “In this envelope, you will find the correct 18% tip plus a little extra for simply being amazing. We appreciate your help, patience, and thank you for making our night fun.”

In this heartfelt apology, not only did the teens acknowledge their error, but they also made amends for it. They exemplified maturity by taking responsibility and rectifying their mistake.

What are your thoughts on this apology?