
I recently decided to take my own little survey from family and friends to see how many of us drink coffee, and why. I sent out 100 e-mails, and received 45 responses in return. In the e-mail, I asked them to share at least two reasons why they drink coffee (if they do), or share why they don't. Here are the results:
71% drink coffee, even if only once in awhile (32 out of 45)
29% do not drink it at all
For those who drink it, here are the main reasons:
56% drink it for the caffeine / pick-me-up / energy
44% like the taste
27% drink it out of habit or routine
20% drink it for the warmth
19% enjoy coffee with friends (social drinkers)
13% love the smell
13% say it is comforting, gives them good feelings, coziness
6% drink it for health reasons
3% say they are addicted to it
3% say it is a non caloric warm drink
3% say it is more convenient than other hot drinks
Those who do NOT drink it give these reasons:
69% Don’t like the taste
23% Don’t like the smell
15% Say its not their preference, have no interest
15% Say they can't drink it due to health issues
8% Say it is too addictive and they don't want to get hooked
Personally, I don't remember the exact time when I started drinking coffee on a regular basis. But, I know it wasn't because I wanted the caffeine, since my coffee is usually decaffeinated. There are days when I am dragging and find I need a boost; so, occasionally, I will make coffee with half caffeine and half decaff - a sufficient amount to get me going without giving me the jitters - but it is not the main reason I began drinking it.
I also did not start drinking it for the taste (Although, now, I really do enjoy the taste, especially when it is doctored up with flavored creamers or some milk and flavored Stevia drops.)
As I think back, I realize the biggest reason I STARTED drinking coffee was for the smell (or, the aroma), as well as it being a comforting beverage for me to start my day with.
What is it I like about the smell? To answer that, let me ask you another question first: What memories do you have of your childhood home? If you really think about it, you will notice that many of your favorite childhood memories are based on a smell - fresh bread being baked in the oven, cookies being made, a favorite meal, flowers in the garden, a lilac bush, wet hay, barn smells, the smell of rain, pine needles from a Christmas tree, a pipe or a cigar, maybe some stinky feet, and on and on. Our sense of smell can cause us to remember things from the past - whether they be good or bad smells - and, for me, one of the smells that reminds me of my childhood is a pot of fresh brewed coffee in the morning. I never liked the taste of coffee when I was growing up, and I didn't understand what was so good about it. But, I always saw my parents enjoying it, and I saw them being hospitable when they offered a cup to our guests. (Thanks, Mom and Dad, for letting me see your example of hospitality.)
1 Peter 4:9 - Be hospitable to one another without complaint.
Dad & Mom, 2008 |
What about you? What scent-filled memories do you have from your childhood home?
What memories are you now making for your own children to look back on one day?
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FYI: According to Wikepedia, and The International Coffee Organization, TODAY (October 1st), is considered the FIRST OFFICIAL INTERNATIONAL COFFEE DAY! It is a day set aside to promote and celebrate coffee as a beverage, with various events now occurring in places across the globe.
Hey, I fit in there some where. Ha ha.
ReplyDeleteYep!
DeleteLove this...something we ALL can identify with.
ReplyDeleteBTW- gotta run to the kitchen and pour me a cup.
Thanks!
I had my cup this morning also! :)
DeleteScents of my childhood include freshly mowed grass, honeysuckle, and yes, coffee! Thanks for this interesting post. I started drinking coffee in 2008 so I could wake up and get going. It gets me going every day now! 😊
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, Valerie! I'm not even sure what honeysuckle smells like. Hope its a good smell for you. :)
DeleteMy Mom, being Swedish, always enjoyed her "Swedish gasoline" and made a pot of coffee every morning. I got my first taste of coffee with lots of cream and sugar by pestering her for some. It wasn't very often but I enjoyed it when I could get it. It wasn't until I went into the AF that I started drinking it fairly regularly.
ReplyDelete"Swedish gasoline" sounds pretty strong!
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