As a child, I watched the adults I grew up with religiously drink coffee. I could not understand the obsession they had with the yucky, bitter liquid. As I got older, I began to drink coffee casually, a drink at Starbucks here and there or a cup when my grandmother offered. My freshman year of college, however, everything changed. I started drinking coffee to stay awake during my morning lectures and gradually realized it became a necessity. Today, I will admit that I am addicted to coffee, and this is how you know you are too:

1. You can't talk to anyone until you've had coffee

Let's face it, socializing can't happen until the caffeine kicks in.

2. You get a headache by the middle of the day if you don't drink it

Sometimes you're rushing in the morning and think you'll be okay without coffee for a while, but your body doesn't agree.

3. You've built up a ridiculous tolerance

The same amount of coffee you used to drink before just doesn't cut it anymore. And the amount just keeps increasing.

4. You judge those who prefer tea over coffee

I'm sorry, but tea? Come on!

5. If you had to choose between coffee and food, you'd chose coffee

Every single time.

Don't let anyone shame you for your addiction. Coffee will save you when all else fails.

Three cheers for coffee!