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Coffee House Etiquette or Want a @#&% With That Latte?

 cup of coffee

Since many of us enjoy spending time in our local coffee houses, we should consider how our behavior might affect other coffee addicts who share the same space.  After all, for many of us, this outing is our brain tidy; a time to get away from work and other stresses of our lives. 

To borrow a phrase from one coffee house, “It is not just coffee, it is an experience.”  Yet, to some, it is an extension of their office.  Nevertheless, to all of us, this is a shared space and not one that belongs to us. 

No Blatant Table Swooping

Recently, as I sat with my decaf java in an overly crowded shop, I noticed a blatant social gaff.  The affectionate couple sitting next to me — affectionate in a positive sense, not slobbering please-get-a-room sense — was preparing to leave.  As they gathered their belongings, an abrupt young man swooped in for the kill.  No actual bloodletting, unless we consider his now tattered reputation.  

He snatched the table without so much as “I can’t believe my luck; are you two leaving?”  Nope.  He sat down, tossing his belongings in front of the empty table next to him.  The couple stood dumbfounded, mouths open, stared for a second, and left.  …great example of a “Please don’t.” 

So, what are some other do (s) and don’t-even-think-about-it (s)?  Please consider the following. 

Please Do Not

Infringe on other’s space by spreading out your belongings. Stay in your space. 

Sneak a peek at other’s computer screens.

Swoop in.  If it appears as if someone is leaving, ask politely

Grab newspapers left from others without asking those around you if they mind. 

Blow your nose in public.  Use the restroom. 

Laugh loudly or do anything else that is loud for that matter.

Please Do

Treat the employees with respect.  These cheerful people are there to serve you, but they are not below any of us. 

Parent!  Parenting includes keeping children in their seats and not running around.  This is an excellent time to teach ‘respecting property and people’. 

Gentlemen, if accompanied by a lady, treat her as such.  Simple gestures as offering her a chair before sitting down are noticed—very positive.

Hold doors for others and thank those who open and hold them for you.   

Cell Phone Users

Do not talk on your cell phone when ordering your brew. 

Take your Blue Tooth devise out of your ear when with others.  You are not part of the Star Trek crew. 

When talking on your cell phone, do so quietly.  Do not disturb those around you.

Mute when with others.  Those in your company are more important than an incoming call or notification.

In Conclusion

Coffee houses are a great place to meet and greet.  In fact, it is a great place to meet your next date, which is not news to most.  So, knowing this, ladies might want to dress as if they are going out dancing.  Uh…no.  Disturbing those around us also includes the visual.  Revealing the assets just may be a bit much for those who just want their caffeine fix. 

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