What Is It About Coffee?

What is it about coffee? What is it about this simple anytime beverage that we just can't seem to live without. We have many choices of beverages to choose from throughout our busy day: soda, water, and sports drinks to name a few. For most of us,
however, we cannot escape the lure of that all too familiar and sometimes comforting cup of coffee!

The draw to this drink should come as no surprise to most of us. This is because a hot and steaming cup of coffee represents so much more than a warm vessel full of liquid. To most Americans and the rest of the world in general, a cup of coffee represents a brief time-out from the ordinary and all too mundane minutia of the daily goings on in our lives.

Whether we are sitting at a desk or or ascending out of a manhole, a "coffee break" gives us a brief respite from whatever our daily obligation may be. For this and many other reasons, we look forward to embracing that warm cup in the palm of our hands if only for a few moments of escape.

For others, a cup of coffee represents an opportunity to spend time bonding and reconnecting with our fellowman. On a first date it gives those looking for love an excuse to linger after a meal and secretly contemplate the possibility of a second date. For housewives, it presents the perfect opportunity to gather together and enjoy some adult conversation while the children happily play together. For others still, a cup of coffee affords a moment of quiet time after a long and monotonous days work. Without it, enjoying the paper on a lazy Sunday morning or
afternoon would just not be the same.

Yes, it is true we love our coffee and we will go through many motion to ensure our daily cup of liquid gold is firmly in hand. Interestingly, we grumble about outrageous price of a gallon of gas that is vital to our livelyhood, yet we willingly shell out up to five dollars for as little as sixteen ounces of the newest blend of whatever our favored fix may be. For such an experience to bother us so little, our daily coffee must be important!

The various types of coffee we may crave presents an opportunity to bring our individuality to the fore. If we are a bit pretentious, we may request a "half caf, nonfat, mocha, latte supreme, no sugar and hold the foam!" If we are a little daring we may go for the "double shot of espresso with a boost of whip cream and extra foam. Some of us are a little old fashion preferring a simple cup of "black"-no cream, no sugar.

Whatever our choice we can be sure that someone has quietly observed our particular choice of coffee and subsequently sized us up from head to toe. This however, should not shock or startle us because after all coffee brings all sorts of people together.

So the next time you venture into your favorite coffee joint to purchase whatever floats your boat and tickles your fancy, stop for a moment and breathe in all the variety of people, places, and occasions that this very simple beverage inspires. You are sure to find yourself appreciative for your small place in the tapestry of life that this inspiring little beverage has given you.