Cafe Olé by Rivki D. Rosenwald Esq., CLC, SDS

Life C ach Cafe Olé

By Rivki D. Rosenwald Esq., LMFT, CLC, SDS

Ihave been having it out with Starbucks for years. I am not really a coffee drinker, but, hey, who doesn’t go to Starbucks once in a while?

So what’s my issue with Starbucks? I just don’t want to be controlled by their language culture.

I refuse to be all mixed up. I don’t want to call something that’s small tall because it isn’t! Something medium-sized isn’t “grand,” either. And what about a large cup, “vente,” what is that supposed to mean?

I have a hard enough time figuring out what I want to order or remembering to actually describe its size. So how can I justify that they want me to talk a language that doesn’t have anything to do with the size or drink I’m ordering? Give me a break!

I’ll let you in on a little secret – till this day, when I go there, I order a small, medium, or large drink – and believe it or not, they actually know exactly what I’m referring to!

And then I feel a little put off because they want my name on the cup in order to deliver my order. With a name like Rivky that adds extra confusion, so I just say “Rikki.” Which, actually, doesn’t necessarily quench my thirst because I’m not sure it’s the authentic me drinking my drink. iced coffee. So what was the fun?! OK, I did add vanilla-sugar-free syrup so it kinda worked… After all, I’m only human!

Starbucks somehow has lasting power. And I’m wondering: is it the coffee or another reason?

Now, I know some people go there and follow the ordering rules, of course.

Which, actually, doesn’t necessarily quench my thirst because I’m not sure it’s the authentic me drinking my drink.

stores are everywhere.

And some people go because they can also sit there and work, even if they purchase nothing.

And finally, I think they go there because the place actually gives out the bathroom code without an interrogation.

All and all, I’m not really that anti-Starbucks. After all, they do serve me even though I don’t follow their ordering rules. So even though I can’t use my given name when I get there, they do let me be my philosophical self. And that feels pretty good! Add a little ice, halfand-half, and whipped cream to that, and they get me time and again.

Rivki Rosenwald is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist working with both couples and individuals and is a certified relationship counselor. Rivki is a co-founder and creator of an effective Parent Management of Adolescent Years Program. She can be contacted at 917705-2004 or at rivkirosenwald@gmail.com.