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Home > Judge me on my coffee choice, I don't mind.

Judge me on my coffee choice, I don't mind.

November 22nd, 2009 at 07:54 am

Actually, I do mind.

(warning: rant ahead)

I have worked as a barista and never once commented to a customer on their drink choice. Now, I don't find a lot of things rude but for some reason it just never felt right.

Of course, inwardly I wondered why on earth someone would bother to get the 'skinny-milk' option on a mocha-with-cream-and-marshmallows-plus-two-sugars, but I digress... I would never SAY that to the person who was ordering it.

I'm a strong coffee gal. I cannot STAND milky coffee. I've been drinking (real - not instant) coffee since I was 13 or 14 and I know what I like. I also have the ability to be able to drink a (strong) cup of coffee and then go to bed immediately after - I don't get that 'no coffee after 3pm or I'll be awake through the night' thing that other people seem to get. Have I over-consumed caffeine? I have no idea. I've never felt that rush or alertness that people describe when they have a coffee, or a Red Bull or some other 'energy device' invented recently. Never. Never Ever.
Why do I drink it then? you ask. Well, I like coffee. I like the smell and taste of it, and the good memories associated with it. Coffee is like a culture. For me it's not about the pick-me-up or the 'get me through the day' approach. I don't HAVE to drink coffee every single day and sometimes I don't - I just like a good cup of coffee.

Anyway.

So as I mentioned, I don't like milky coffee. So, I usually order a double-shot flat white or cappucino. Which is normal enough.

However, I frequent a place with a friend (who doesn't even drink coffee) where they serve their coffee in GIANT cups (they are like mugs, but in a cup shape). To compensate, all coffees are double-shot as standard. So when I ask for a flat white with an extra shot, every single time they explain that to me, I have to say 'Yes - I would like an EXTRA shot, please.'

And then they fluff about, stutter, raise their eyebrows, elbow each other, give a shrieking laugh and/or say some stupid comment like:
- Ooooh. Switch to decaf, girl.
- you know that's THREE shots of coffee?
- I don't think I've ever made a coffee that strong before.
- You'll be buzzing all afternoon.
- Why not just stick a caffeine drip in your arm?
- Don't feel like sleeping tonight?
- Had a long day?
- Gosh I don't think I could handle that much caffeine.
- It's not our fault if you decide it's too strong.
- Are you that tired?
- Our coffee is quite strong, you know.

Take your pick, it's all been said to me before. And not just at the place I went to today - MANY places have said that to me.

I don't need your opinion on my drink, it's not going to influence my decision, I've been drinking the same type since I was in high school. ARGH!

Anyway, I'm not really sure where this rant is heading, it's just that I'm annoyed. Is it really that difficult to shut your yap and just make me my damn coffee?



8 Responses to “Judge me on my coffee choice, I don't mind.”

  1. baselle Says:
    1258882236

    Hmmm. You are an adult. Caffeine is a legal substance. You've ordered it before at the place and you are still alive. Do they want your money or not? Big Grin
    (Spoken from someone who cannot drink coffee much after 10 am else I can't sleep, but loves coffee.)

  2. tightwad kitty Says:
    1258889888

    I also have the ability to be able to drink a (strong) cup of coffee and then go to bed immediately after

    I can relate to that, I can wake up 2am drink a cup of coffee and then go back to sleep, I have done this for years. If I drink it in bed I can also go to sleep with the cup still my hand which is not safe! I need to sit on the side bed which when in hospital can be a problem.

    In fact coffee at night after 9pm is a like a sleeping draft.

    Kitty

  3. Waterfall Says:
    1258908737

    Not just rude but unprofessional. Find the places where they quietly fill your order and spend your hard-earned money there.

  4. HouseHopeful Says:
    1258912729

    I would be annoyed as well. If there's a way to give feedback like on a comment card, you could always do that. And you could even make it more anonymous by saying that the comments about your coffee choices are unncessary without saying its because you're asking for that extra, extra shot.

  5. frugaltexan75 Says:
    1258930526

    Although I'm a non-coffee drinker (never liked the smell of it, even less the taste), I would be really annoyed about a salesperson making those types of comments on my purchase.

    I've had cashiers ask me if an item was really good before (like an Amy's frozen burrito), but never have had anyone comment on say, the amount of chocolate I might be buying at one shot.

    I think I'd make it known to the management of the place(s) where this is taking place. An unhappy customer quickly becomes a non-customer!

  6. homebody Says:
    1258951283

    I love, love, love coffee too, but more than 3/4 cup a day gives me terrible chest pain (costochondritis). I treat myself to decaf at Starbucks on Fridays.

  7. debtfreeme Says:
    1259080841

    I to was the coffee any time kind of person until I quit drinking coffee and soda in preparation for peace corps. When I returned the caffeine started to affect me but not to much. Ten years later I have to be a little careful about when I drink it but i still love it.

    by the way, what is a flat white?

  8. whitestripe Says:
    1259308882

    a flat white is... a flat white?
    NOT a latte, cappucino, long black, short black, mocha or machiato...

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