John McIntire writes a rather amusing article about the political orientation of the average Starbucks patron in this week’s Pittsburgh City Paper. As I live the dream each and every day, I can attest to the authenticity and accuracy of his words.

He hits the nail on the head (or should I say pours the perfect shots?) when he describes the way many customers confide in their barista. We are basically highly underpaid psychologists. Just yesterday, one of my regulars found out he’d gotten his girlfriend pregnant and wanted MY opinion of what he should do. Within the past three years, I’d have to say that I’ve formed this type of relationship with about 20 regular customers. They are few and far between because most of my clientele doesn’t want to hear my opinion regarding the weather, let alone my 2 cents about their life. These few personal relationships that have emerged are what make dealing with the other shit worthwhile.