You know what I'm talking about. Those days (hopefully not too often) when you wake up, and you just don't like anybody. Everything, and everyone, EVERYWHERE, is getting on your nerves. Or maybe life's thrown some challenges, and you're just feeling sad / anxious / mopey / a little road ragey / insert your difficult emotion here. Whatever it is, you just wake up wrong. That's when I say, thank god for coffee. But really, for getting out in the world, and finding some people who are feeling friendlier / kinder / better today.

My favorite coffee shops serve more than just great coffee. They are mood changers. The baristas there are happy and friendly. They know my name (Cheers theme song, anyone?). Even better, they never make me feel bad for ordering my silly, overly-complicated espresso drink. More likely, they have memorized what I like to order, and know it in advance. That's how cool they are. I always leave in a better mood than the one I arrived in. On this particular day, most needed bonus -- my coffee was served topped with a heartsmiley. Awww, how can I stay in a bad mood now, really???

Unsolicited life tip #304: the ride's too short to drink coffee made by angry / snooty / too-hip-for-you baristas. Always find the coffee shops that have good coffee AND nice people :). Besides, you can taste that sh*t in your coffee. Friendly just tastes better.