Quote:
Originally Posted by neverending
if you need stimulants to make it through the day, coffee is a satisfying, socially acceptable way to get them, as opposed to, say, snorting coke. I don't draw the parallel lightly- they're both dangerous, highly addictive drugs.
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That's an interesting and apt parallel to make, I think. People joke about caffeine addiction but it's true; I get headaches and feel slightly sick if I don't have my big cup of coffee in the morning. In fact I'm drinking iced coffee that I brewed at home right now...
I don't typically drink coffee throughout the day (maybe a diet soda or green tea in the afternoon if I need a pick-me-up); if I have too much I get anxious, sick, and jittery.
As for the culture around going to a coffee shop and paying the $5+ for a cup of coffee, I don't necessarily participate in that (unless I want a fancy frozen coffee beverage that I can't brew at home)... But my lack of participation is more about me saving money and personal preference - I love Peet's coffee but there aren't any stores near me so I buy it and brew it at home.
What I do like about coffee shops are that they're a convenient place for a meetup/stopover... Have a few minutes before dinner? Grab a coffee - Have a few minutes after dinner? Grab a coffee - It's easy and comforting to dip into especially during the winter.