You know the feeling.

You’re picking up a takeout order at one of your favorite restaurants, and you’re ready to pay with your credit card like most of us.

Suddenly, sometimes without saying a word, the cashier swings around the payment machine and staring you in the face is a prompt stating what top amount you want to leave.

You likely are faced with a state of fear and anxiety. For me, my old Catholic school guilt instincts usually take over.

The cashier is either staring you down or flashing you a smile, as he or she awaits your decision. Do you leave 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% or even higher. Or do you instantly shift our attention to the daring … no tip prompt.

McDonald’s and some other fast-food outlets are beginning to follow the trend.

Most of us experience a sense of guilt and leave a tip. We automatically respond without thinking it through.

Is it necessary to leave a tip for a takeout? Yes, someone prepared the food, but do I need to leave a tip to someone who hands it to me?

A wise man told me that I shouldn’t leave a tip for a takeout. I’ve been better with that and walking out feeling good, but sometimes I will leave a few dollars based on the amount.

If you pay cash, you have better control of the situation. However, we all usually pull out a credit card without even thinking.

Over the years, tips for service — primarily food — have been ingrained in us as part of the Americana fabric. Their history dates back to the mid 1800s traced to wealthy Americans who wanted to show their appreciation for services rendered.

In today’s society, most Americans would agree that tipping is reaching a chaotic state.

In an April Popmenu survey, approximately 78% to 80% of Americans feel tipping culture has become “ridiculous” or “out of control,” with 44% reporting they are tipping less due to dealing with “tip fatigue” and their own budgets.

While still supporting sit-down restaurant tips, consumers are pushing back against digital prompts for tips at counter service, retail, and auto repairs.

You probably have encountered some other services that are utilizing their digital prompts, and even some apps are doing it. Leaving a housekeeping tip is always a tough call, and a $5 or $10 bill has been a standard.

Do I need to leave a tip when I buy two gourmet cookies totaling $3? Or do I need to leave a 25% tip on a haircut? Maybe a female does depending upon the length of a service.

If I receive a good service sit-down dining experience, I am inclined to leave a minimum 18%. However, don’t feel bad leaving 10 percent for a buffet for someone who is just getting your drinks. If my service is bad and I feel ignored, I won’t leave a tip.

Along with tipping, be careful of what you request and always check your bill. Some restaurants will add a service charge for extras without telling you, and many will add a 3 to 5% charge for using a card.

In Europe, the trend is less, as 5 to 10% is considered to be an adequate tip.

Next time, you’re in a restaurant, think before you tip and don’t be intimidated. Don’t let the stare, glare, or smile get to you.

Using a parallel to an old gambling adage, “tip with your head, and not over it.”

Email Jeff Moeller at tneditor@tnonline.com