Does Money Buy Happiness?

Just an interesting statistic first:
The peak of "happiness" is if you make $75,000 a year. (Study done by Princeton University)

Moving on:
I like to be frugal with myself, but extravagant with my friends and family. My parents always said, happiness is hard to come buy, but if you can buy something to make a person smile, then buy it.

I tend to associate certain close people in my life with items. Whenever I go out to the mall or am walking through a store, I'll see a certain symbol or item that reminds me of my friend. I usually end up getting it if I know it'll make them happy. For example, one of my close friends loves the moon. If I find jewelry or a poster that has a picture of the moon on it, I'll make a purchase.

So my hopefully thought provoking question of the day is: What items remind you of that certain special someone?

Tipping

I remember when I was a kid, I used to push dim sum carts at a Chinese restaurant. I was small and the outfits I had to wear were always 2 sizes too big. The hours were long and I missed Saturday morning cartoons every week.

One day, there was a lady that I was taking care of because she required special accommodations. I did my best to make sure she was comfortable. Now before I continue, I want to let you know that dim sum cart pushers don't get tips because we were lower on the totem pole than waiters.

So, just before she was about to leave, she signals me over and hands me a $5 dollar bill. I said I could not take it, but she insisted multiple times even going as far as to shove it into my back pocket. She said, "No one has taken care of me like that in a long time. Don't let bad things make you lose your faith in humanity."

It was not just the words she said, it was the fact that she appreciated my service. That made my entire day that I still remember the moment almost a decade later. Haha, and $5 extra dollars to me at the age meant a lot to me. From then on in, I always do my best to give a bit extra on the tip and leave a special note because you will make their day. For anyone who has not worked in the food service business, trust me when I say, you can make someone's day with a $5 bill.

Chivalry is Dead?

Is chivalry dead because of convenience?

For example, the man is expected to open the door for a woman. Nowadays with automatic sliding doors, the man no longer has to hold the door open in many instances.* Both partners just walk in together. 

*Note: Men, if there is an automatic sliding door, let her enter first.