The English Only Tip Their Hats

(I’m visiting my long distance boyfriend in London. We decide to stop for lunch during our walk through the streets of London. I’m from Canada.)

Worker: “So, your total is [total].”

(I hand him a little more than he asked for.)

Me: “Keep the change.”

(He looks confused for a moment and tries to give me back the money.)

Me: “No, no, keep the change. It’s money for you.”

Worker: “What…?”

My Boyfriend: *to me* “In London, no one ever uses the term, ‘keep the change.’ It’s unheard of for people working behind the counters to get tips.”

Me: “Oh, geez… I had no idea.” *to the worker* “I’m actually from Canada. Over there, we use the term ‘keep the change’ when we don’t really need the change back. It’s considered giving a tip. I honestly had no idea that you guys here didn’t do that. Still, it’s just a little bit of money and I don’t need it that badly. Go ahead and pocket it. It’s for you!”

Worker: *huge smile* “Thank you for explaining!”

(He kept the change. It seemed like such a minor cultural difference, but I think we both learned something that day!)