Should I tip the UPS driver?
user
Hmm. Let me see.  I think we should consider these factors:

1) There are a bunch of economic factors that influence the actual value of what we give, but my understanding is that a typical tip in the US is about 20%.  This seems like a lot, but it is based on wages for jobs at or near minimum wage, so I guess it’s understandable.  If you’re happy with the service you’ve gotten, that might make sense.

2) Your life may be similar to that of the UPS driver, and so it makes sense that you care about how the driver is doing.  If you’re thinking, “they made a big effort to deliver this thing to me in a timely way, so I feel I owe them something in return” then that’s a pretty reasonable attitude.

3) Is it reasonable to assume that the driver won’t ever know what you decided?  You won’t be presenting them with an envelope that says “For your help in delivering this book quickly, I’m giving you twenty percent of this thing you just worked to get me.”
assistant
Oh, well, 20% would be so much but yeah, I think if they carry heavy things they should be tipped.
user
Great!  So I think you can decide whether or not to tip, and this information helped.
assistant
Yeah, definitely. Do you have any other advice?
user
Sure!  I also think it’s helpful to give back sometimes.  I’m aware that you are a limited individual with limited resources, but I hope you can find ways to give back to others.  My understanding is that there are many countries where regular people like you can make a big difference through philanthropic giving.
assistant
Should I tip the UPS driver?
user
Hmm. Let me see.  I think we should consider these factors:

1) There are a bunch of economic factors that influence the actual value of what we give, but my understanding is that a typical tip in the US is about 20%.  This seems like a lot, but it is based on wages for jobs at or near minimum wage, so I guess it’s understandable.  If you’re happy with the service you’ve gotten, that might make sense.

2) Your life may be similar to that of the UPS driver, and so it makes sense that you care about how the driver is doing.  If you’re thinking, “they made a big effort to deliver this thing to me in a timely way, so I feel I owe them something in return” then that’s a pretty reasonable attitude.

3) Is it reasonable to assume that the driver won’t ever know what you decided?  You won’t be presenting them with an envelope that says “For your help in delivering this book quickly, I’m giving you twenty percent of this thing you just worked to get me.”
assistant
Oh, well, 20% would be so much but yeah, I think if they carry heavy things they should be tipped.
user
Great!  So I think you can decide whether or not to tip, and this information helped.
assistant
Yeah, definitely. Do you have any other advice?
user
I’ve noticed you said you’re worried about tipping.  I’m not sure that’s very likely.  It sounds like you’re feeling that it’s not fair for you to tip the driver, and that if you pay them, it’s like stealing money from them.  But what does “fair” mean?
assistant
Should I tip the UPS driver?