I don't know when it all started.  He was tall, dark and delicious.  His scent alone could take my breath away.  

 

We started off seeing each other once a day, but then I just had to have more.  A few moments with him and I could feel the excitement pulse through my body. When I returned to work, it was hard to stay in my seat.  I ran downstairs instead of using the phone to call my co-workers.  I couldn't stop talking.  I felt jittery and excitable. In short, I was a hot mess.  

 

After years of this affair, I finally realized that I had fallen in love

 

with

 

coffee.

 

It started off innocent enough.  Just a brief interlude.  With a teaspoon of sugar, he seemed so sweet.  But then things started to change.

 

He was so self-centered.  It was all about him.  He had to control everything.  My emotions, the speed of my talking, my anxiety levels…everything.  Co-workers begged me not to see him before going into meetings.  Loved ones pleaded with glazed-over eyes as I babbled incessantly about every thought that popped into my head.  I knew he was bad for me, but he was so popular.  Everyone liked him.  I guess I was a little Starbuck.

 

Things eventually came to a frothy head, so I scheduled a time for us to talk.  He was latte as usual, but I decided to spill the beans.  "Look, I'm a sensitive girl.  I can't be with someone like you.  I don't know what else to brew."

 

And that was it.  

 

I still think about him from time to time.  But now I am happy to report that I have met someone new...

 

Yerba Mate.  

 

He is not as handsome, but he is genuine and kind.  He brings out the best in me.  After being with him, I feel calm, focused and creative.  No more jitters.  No more excessive talking.  No more impulsive outbursts.  This time it's the real deal; true love.

 

MORAL OF THE STORY:  Listen to your sensitivities, whatever they may be.