Each of us goes about our days consuming one or more cups of coffee. In the past few years, it has become "trendy" to hang out at small coffee shops and take in the atmosphere, pleasing aesthetic, and drink a cup of joe. So often, I question why our culture is prone to spend tons of money on coffee (myself included). Now don't get me wrong, I love a good latte, but there is part of me that begins to cringe after spending a mere $5 on a beverage.

However, lately, I have realized how much community you could gain by sipping on a cup of coffee with a friend. Something clicked and I noticed that maybe the hype is not merely due to the cute pictures of vanilla lattes - there could be more going on in these little spots.

Recently, my friend and I sat down to work on homework at a local coffee shop and we spotted one of our favorite bloggers. We are both aspiring writers and look up to her.

Naturally, we quickly fangirled and introduced ourselves. Even though she was busy, she did not shove us away or go back to her coffee sipping. She invited us to join her. It was then that I realized that no matter who you are or how busy your day may be, you always have a second to sit down and chat with others.

All of us stopped and talked about our lives and what happened next was worth every penny that was spent on a cup of coffee. We built community and heard each other's stories.

We spent an hour discussing our lives and plans for the future.

By one stranger welcoming us in with open arms, I was taught that it can be beneficial to love others intentionally. This includes listening to them, having an open mind, and hearing them out.

I would say that any cup of coffee is worth a meaningful conversation.

I started to think about the people I surround myself with and how often I am scrolling through my phone instead of hearing them out, which leads me to this question: Is it really a friendship if the time you spend together is constantly spent on social media or staring at a screen?

I now know that it is necessary to ask questions and listen to people in a genuine manner. These conversations can easily take place over a cup of coffee.

Meeting new people and learning their stories takes a lot of intentionality. Once you are willing to sit and listen to someone else or share your own struggle, BIG things happen.

That day, my friend and I walked into a coffee shop and we left knowing that the hype is not all about the vanilla lattes or pleasing Instagram photos after all.