I walked up to the restaurant expecting a normal dinner, but before I even stepped inside, the sign on the door stopped me.

It basically told customers that servers are not volunteers and that if we couldn’t afford to tip, we couldn’t afford to eat out. Standing there reading it, I honestly didn’t know whether to feel guilty, annoyed, or both.

I completely understand that servers work hard. I know many of them depend on tips because their hourly pay is incredibly low. I’ve worked difficult jobs myself, so I would never disrespect someone trying to make a living. But at the same time, part of me couldn’t stop thinking: why is this responsibility being pushed onto customers instead of employers paying workers properly in the first place?

The more I stared at the sign, the more uncomfortable I felt. Dinner already costs more than it used to, and now it felt like I was being lectured before I even ordered food. It wasn’t the idea of tipping that bothered me — I usually do tip — it was the feeling of being pressured or shamed into it.

As I sat down at the table later that night, I realized the sign had done exactly what it was meant to do: start a conversation. And honestly, I still don’t know what the right answer is. I just know a lot of people are frustrated — customers, workers, and probably even restaurant owners too.