Just remember that most watresses don't even make minimum wage. They are expected to make minimum wage or better in tips.

I usually tip based on how well they do. If they are pleasant, get the orders right, and come back to the table to check to see how things are going multiple times they are going to get a better tip. The gal at IHOP who blew up at our table right after she finished carrying on an argument with her significant other on her cell phone didn't get a tip from me.

Having friends who have worked as a waittress, they say old folks are the worst. They expect first class service and then tip like people living in poverty.