Every time I go to the office coffee bar someone tries to pay for my drink.
By @jared · Work
It's a nice gesture, but it's happening almost daily and it makes me feel weirdly obligated. I just want to buy my own $4 latte in peace.
The full story
Our office has a barista in the lobby, and it's become a weird social minefield. A few execs and senior managers started a trend of just paying for whoever is behind them in line. Now it's trickled down, and people seem to think it's just 'what you do'. I appreciate the sentiment, but now I feel this pressure to pay it forward, and I honestly just want to use my app and get my points. It also creates this awkward social debt. I don't want to feel like I owe my manager a coffee because he bought mine yesterday.
How people voted
- Bad Move — 35% (7 votes)
- Needs Context — 35% (7 votes)
- Reasonable — 30% (6 votes)
Readers are split: “Bad Move” leads with 35% — 20 votes and 5 comments so far.
What people are saying
@carteragain — Sounds like a terrible problem to have.
@maey — Can't you just say 'Thanks, but I've got it today!'?
@blake — This is a classic example of weaponized generosity to create social pressure.
@sage — just take the free coffee lol
@alsosame — Start bringing a thermos and tell them you prefer your home-brewed coffee. They'll get the hint eventually.
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