The more I travel around the world these days, the practice of leaving tips seems to get more complicated. Do you have some easy to understand rules? MAS, Tucson AZ

A: You’re usually OK to give 10 to 15% in cash after a meal, drink session, valet, home delivery and other services. If the server or something else irks you about the transaction, ask to speak to a manager before deciding not to tip. Ah, memories!

I was a Hot Shoppes car hop while a teen college student, and had a bare minimum salary. I depended on tips to earn decent money. For awhile, I was ok with the job. However, some customers didn’t tip and/or drove away without paying for the food. Some tossed the tray and dirty dishes crashing out the window. And I had to pay for the damage!

My solution was when I served the printed bill close to my face to drivers, and quoted a price a dollar or two above the actual amount. In that slightly-dishonest way, I was assured adequate tip money.