Espresso Yourself

by Mallory Miller

Productivity and comfort fuse together. What does that infusion sound like? It sounds like the loud roar of coffee grinding, the hiss of milk foaming, and the perpetual announcement of names over soft music.  Your favorite coffee shop: where you go to get it done. 

In the seconds that pass from your arrival at the cash register to the statement of your final answer, a series of events unfold in quick succession. While you scan the menu, your mind bouncing through the options and finally landing on a suitable compromise, the barista assesses your appearance and develops an internal guess based on that impression.

Pause at the moment you make eye contact over the cash register. You’re inhaling as you prepare to express your decision and the barista—slightly inclining toward you in anticipation—watches you with focused attention. So, what do you say?  And, more importantly, what does it say about you? 

Dr. Ramani Durvasula conducted a survey of 1,000 people. The study looked into personality styles, psychological traits, and the coffee preferences. What did the survey reveal? Browse some of Durvasula’s observations below to see what your order might say about you. 

Black Coffee

If you prefer a basic hot cup of Joe and don’t bother with the silliness of condiments, you may be a minimalist. It is likely that you are efficient, patient, and simple. However, you may also be moody, abrupt, dismissive, and resistant to change. There are pros and cons to the simple life.

Latte

This order could reveal your desire for other people to like you a latte. The survey concluded that latte drinkers seek comfort and are generous with their time. They can get over-extended in their efforts to help others.

Frozen/Blended Coffee Drinks

If you take your coffee with ice, sugar, cream—actually, if you prefer coffee to be in a form that resembles ice cream as closely as possible, you may be a socially bold, imaginative and spontaneous trendsetter. However, you may choose shortcuts frequently or make reckless decisions.

Decaf/Soy Milk/Very Specifically Ordered Coffee

Does a grande, quad, nonfat, no-whip mocha sound more like your order? Or perhaps an iced, half caff, ristretto, venti, 4-Pump, sugar free, cinnamon, dolce soy skinny latte strikes your fancy. You may be a little obsessive and have difficulty releasing control to others. However, you may also be very health-conscious and think through your choices thoroughly. 

So, where do you fall in the spectrum of coffee personalities? 

Waters, Emily. "What Does Your Coffee Reveal about You? | World of Psychology." World of Psychology. Psychcentral.com, 06 Aug. 2015. Web. 29 Nov. 2016