I have been a Starbucks partner (the fancy word Starbucks uses instead of employee) for almost a year now and I would definitely say that it is the best job for any college student. I make great tips, I get free coffee, I’ve started my 401K and I love my regulars. However, there are some general Starbucks mistakes that do make me, and my coworkers, roll our eyes and hold our breath. These are pet peeves that if repeated constantly make us very passive aggressive, especially on those busy days. We understand that ordering can be overwhelming, and sometimes there are other things on your mind, but if we eliminate these mistakes I can promise you that your barista will make your drink dripping in love instead of resentment. Here is a list of the top five pet peeves of your average Starbucks barista.

1. You don’t specify what size drink you want: I am so very happy that you are confident in ordering that upside down, extra caramel, no foam, caramel macchiato with an extra shot. I am so very happy that you know what you want, but please, for the love of God, tell me what size you want. I cannot start to make your order or mark your cup without a hint of what size you want. It has gotten to the point where if you do not specify a size I will automatically give you a small because I do not have time when there are fifty caffeine deprived zombies behind you.
2. You don’t respond to our greetings: We understand that you’re probably in a hurry on your lunch break or you’re thinking of what instagram filter you’re going to use on your latest selfie. But please understand that when we say “Hi! How are you doing?” that the rudest response is to say, “I need a venti iced green tea half sweetened with light ice”. This shows that you see us as merely delicious drink making robots.
3. You order a random drink you saw on Pinterest: Starbucks baristas are probably the kings and queens of making up off the menu amazing drinks so we have no judgment for wanting to get creative. However, when a customer asks for a Twix Bar Frappuccino without knowing the exact recipe, their barista will probably hate them. We cannot magically produce random concoctions that your mom’s sister’s boyfriend’s boss posted to Facebook, and we really don’t have the imaginations to figure out what a Captain Crunch Crème Frappuccino is.
4. You throw your money down on the counter: This is something that applies to any type of cashier, not just Starbucks employees. Throwing money, whether it be cash or card, onto the counter instead of into the cashier's hands is one of the most annoying things I have ever experienced. It shows a lack of respect, as if making physical contact with a worker is below the customer. Also, if you claim it’s a germ thing I promise you that dollar bill has touched a lot nastier things then my peasant hands.
5. You make a big deal about how we spell your name: I saved the best for last here. I am so very sorry, Maddy with a Y, that I confused you for a Maddie with an “IE”. I apologize from the bottom of my heart, Sara, that I added a dreadful H to the end of your name. I was the unfortunate barista that is the butt of many spelling jokes. I am so sorry that the spelling of your name has become a big enough problem that it deserves a social media rant. I am so sorry that you are so consumed with “first world problems” that it even makes a ripple in your day. I am so sorry that you cannot see the blessing it is that you can afford to drink a six dollar cup of coffee. And, I am so very sorry that the spelling of your name distracted you from how damn good Starbucks coffee really is.