At my job, dressing up like zombies, drawing with whipped cream, and making the weirdest drinks we can think of is just another day. Being a barista is both challenging and rewarding, and I have met some awesome people along the way. But, recently, some customers have made it difficult to enjoy my time at work.

We are all human. Was your drink made wrong? Have you been waiting for a while? I can help you. I will gladly make the moment right and help create a positive experience. But, yelling and being rude to your barista won’t result in a positive experience for anyone. Your day likely won’t be any better for yelling, and we will likely be upset.

Since the New Year, I have seen a lot more of this type of behavior. I work with some incredibly kind and patient people. The number of times I have seen them belittled this week alone is staggering. So many of our customers are fantastic humans. It’s so sad that a few bad interactions can ruin a whole day. But it can. Some days it just sours the whole experience.

Sometimes we are short staffed, our ovens get backed up from people ordering food, or we lose a drink sticker. It happens. It’s even happened to me. Its not wrong to tell us you are missing an item, you paid for it, but to start yelling is wrong. There’s a right way and a wrong way to go about it. I will move mountains for kind customers.

I am tired of being yelled at, or witnessing others be yelled at. It’s disheartening, and it makes the entire day suck. I love leaving work feeling good about the interactions I've had with others.

This extends far past coffee visits, and into all realms of customer service. Treat people with respect and dignity. I am thankful for working in customer service. I think it has made me a more patient and understanding person because I have been in that position before.

I have had people scream over sandwiches, blame us for them driving away without their items, and order while also talking on their cell phones. I hope it turns around and people choose to be kind. Until then, I will be. Please treat all people with kindness.