To the drive-thru attendant at Starbucks,

Your peppiness is not needed and is, in fact, somewhat frustrating to me as I have clearly not had my coffee yet. You needn’t answer the intercom as though you’re answering the phone. “Welcome to Starbuck’s at Gaston and Haskell. My name is Jason. How can I help you?”

I know at what store I am about to make a purchase. I know at what intersection I’ve just exited to pull into your drive-thru. I, honestly, don’t care what your name is. You can help me but shutting up so I can place my order and get my coffee.

However, your friendliness was refreshing, though not as refreshing as that coffee. And that is why I decided to share an embarrassing tidbit with you. In case you don’t remember me, I’m the patron who pulled up to pay after placing my order and shared this conversation with you.

“That’ll be $4.84”

“Here’s a $5.”

I’m sure that conversation doesn’t spark any memories but the conversation that followed when you gave me my change may be more memorable.

“Here you go.”

“Thanks. So I’m having the dreaded “‘Oh my God, did I sleep with you when I was drunk?’ text conversation.”

The fact that you couldn’t contain your laughter tells me that patrons don’t often share that information with you. I hope I made your day and that you felt inclined to share the smile that I gave you at my expense with your co-workers.

When you returned with my coffee, you gave me a much needed pick-me-up after an unnecessarily difficult battle with a parking lot. And your good bye statement in which you wished me well and hoped it all works like I want it to made me feel good in that I knew I had just made your day but uttering one simple sentence that I honestly have no idea why I chose to say out loud.

On that note, maybe ease up on the peppy until your patrons are well caffeinated and perhaps shorten your intro. Other than that, it was a pleasure interacting with you and I hope your career as a barista takes you on many exciting adventures.

Embarrassed but sincere,

Missy