I’m not quite sure when it started, but Starbucks staff these days are trying their darndest to be friendly to customers waiting for their coffee. Usually this comes in the form of an innocuous “How’s your day?” or “Not working today?” while you’re fiddling with the receipt at the pick-up counter.
I once got “Do you live around here?” from a female staff as she prepared my latte. If I wasn’t such a realist I’d have thought she was showing interest.
I don’t always know how to respond to these harmless and clearly well-intended gestures, mainly because I’ve no interest in starting a conversation or even replying with an obligatory “Fine!” or “Good!”. I just want my designer caffeine, then sit my ass down or get the hell out of the joint.
The scope of the relationship between a customer and the Starbucks staff has been well defined in the 10 years the franchise has been here – you place your order, indicate that no, you don’t want any muffins to go with whatever you’ve just ordered, make your payment, hop over to the pick-up counter with your receipt and await your beverage…
Now comes: “Not working today??”
Somehow, it feels like they’re trying to change the relationship here…like bring it to a new level. I just don’t think I’m ready for that kind of a commitment.
