TIL that showing up to the same coffee shop at the same time every day works

I go to Brew & Bean on Main St in my town every morning at 7:30 for about 8 months now. Last week a guy who sits two tables over finally said hi and we got talking about his woodworking side gig. Has anyone else had a random routine turn into a real connection?

2 comments

2 Comments

jenkins.reese6d ago

Actually that's a terrible idea (and here's why). You're basically training yourself to be a creepy regular who knows every schedule and drink order of the staff. They probably have a mental list of customers who are harmless versus ones who are a little too into the routine thing. Think about it from their side - a stranger showing up at the exact same time every single day for 8 months is a little intense, not charming. That woodworker guy might have just said hi to break the awkward tension because he felt obligated. Plus real connections usually happen when you're not forcing a scripted meet-cute situation, not by acting like a background character in your own life.

webb.ben6d ago

Gotta say, @jenkins.reese you kinda hit a nerve there. I've been that guy showing up at the same coffee shop every morning for like six months straight, and now I'm realizing I might be on the "please don't make eye contact with me" list. One time the barista asked if I wanted my "usual" and I got weirdly excited, like I'd finally made it. Then I saw her do the same thing for like five other people in a row and realized it's just their job. So yeah, I'm basically the human version of a recurring order, not a charming regular.