The Reality Reports

Tipping Almost Everyone: Americans tip service workers between 15 and 20 percent of their bill, which confuses visitors from countries where servers earn full wages. Restaurant workers in the United States often receive minimal hourly pay and depend on tips for their income.  Foreign tourists sometimes accidentally offend servers by leaving small tips or none at all, not realizing this custom extends beyond restaurants to hair stylists, taxi drivers, hotel staff, and delivery people.  Many other countries include service charges in the final price, making the American system seem unnecessarily complicated and putting the responsibility of paying fair wages on customers rather than employers.

What Breaking Bread Really Means: Breaking bread refers to the act of sharing a meal with others, particularly the symbolic gesture of tearing apart a loaf of bread and passing pieces to those around the table. This practice dates back thousands of years and appears in countless cultures around the world.  While it often carries religious significance, especially in Christianity, the ritual transcends any single faith or tradition. At its core, breaking bread represents hospitality, trust, and the creation of bonds between people.