Dear Dunkin,

I’m sorry, but there is no easy way for me to word this letter because I am breaking up with you. It’s not you, really, I mean that. I’ve moved on to bigger and better things and I have left you back in Connecticut. I wanted to make things work between us, but I quickly was allured by the other options. The long distance relationship was taking a toll on my caffeine addition and I had to satisfy my craving any way possible.

I cheated on you.

My campus has a Starbucks. It was just so convenient. There is money on my student ID that is specially set up to spend at on-campus dining facilities and I took full advantage. I ordered a medium iced caramel coffee. It was more expensive, but one sip and I could easily understand why. The coffee was brewed to perfection and didn’t give me that slightly burned aftertaste like you sometimes did. The caramel was rich enough and not overbearing. Before I knew it, Starbucks and I were having multiple breakfast dates a week and things were becoming more intense. The baristas began to recognize me and know my order by heart. I’d look forward to Starbucks and the satisfaction its caffeinated beverages brought me. When I was having Starbucks, I did not think of you. One would assume I would miss your doughnuts, your coffee, and your hot chocolate, but I have moved on.

By the time finals week rolled around our relationship intensified and we even saw each other a few times a day. At this point, I knew I was in love with Starbucks and I even asked my mom to put Starbucks gift cards in my stocking for Christmas. During the break, I didn’t tell you about the affair and I kept visiting you in my hometown and secretly wished Starbucks moved next door to you.

I decided it was now time to break my silence and tell you the truth. I want to thank you for being my favorite coffee chain throughout high school and for always being so conveniently located. I appreciate your low prices and the selection of doughnuts, however, I have grown out of this relationship. I would still like to be friends, if at all possible. I still want to visit when I come home because we have so much history. I’ll always carry a part of you in my coffee-loving heart. Goodbye for now :)

Xoxo,

Ashley