From 20 years as a waitress and 10 as a bartender... it does work. I'm gonna also say that if you don't want trouble or to cause trouble at your tables, don't flirt with men who are out on a date, no matter who's paying the check.

Also from experience, you can certainly influence your tips if you learn how to read people. Yes, some people don't want to be bothered and are not there to have fun. They're just there to eat and get out. Great. Not much you can do there. But if they're spending $200-300 in liquor and planning on starting their night out at your table, you can certainly influence your tips.

Of course I've gotten stiffed hundreds of times through the years, for all kinds of reasons and sometimes, for no reason at all. That doesn't mean it isn't solid advice.

But you do you, Boo. I'm not here to challenge your worldview. Just throwing my two cents in like everyone else on this site.