Starbucks: A Love/Hate Relationship

"Venti Mocha Frappuccino, no whip!" I hear this daily and at times I confuse it with my name. Without the cold, chocolate pick-me-up I am a horrible person. I snap, snicker and frown until my green apron donning drug dealer calls my drink.

Magic is created every morning with the first sip of liquid ecstasy. I can feel it soaking my intestinal tract to deliver the eye opening burst I need. While I enjoy going to a place that knows what I want the minute I walk in, I can't help feeling that they are truly selling me a liquid drug. Why am I so addicted? I hate that I can't function without it. I hate that I pay $4 a day to feel normal. And I hate that during the summer when the days are hot and sticky, there isn't anything else to cool me down.

This love/hate relationship is killing me. At what point do the loyal followers catch on or lash out at the increasing price of a latte? David Bach writes about "the latte factor" and I can't help wondering what I could do with an extra $1,500 a year. Sure, it sounds easy enough to make coffee at home but there definitely is something special that goes into a Starbucks drink. Whatever it is, Mr. Frappe doesn't compare.

I justify the daily indulgence by reminding myself how socially responsible the company is. What would I do with $1,500 a year that they are doing with it? How would that $1,500 affect the economy? I see it as my duty to continue supporting a company that provides local jobs and fair trade coffee.

For now, I'll continue the inner turmoil and enjoy it all while I can. Perhaps, one day the way to my heart won't be so easily fetched by a venti mocha frappuccino.