Bad coffees

It was the third time Daniel called me to invite me to Mary's house, one of his dearest friends, he knew her since school and with her he felt better than with anyone else, they both shared many common interests. And Daniel loved the three of us being together.

However, I had no desire to be at Mary's and so I had made various excuses for not accepting Daniel's invitations. But I knew that there would be a limit to that and that sooner or later I would be forced to tell Daniel the reasons why I didn't want to be at Mary's. So I decided to invite him to my house to clarify that matter...

As usual Daniel arrived punctually to my house, we settled in the living room and started to listen to music. After a while I decided to play the subject for which I had summoned him. I asked a direct question...

Daniel .... How is Mary...How long have you not seen her...?

She is very well, she is very excited about a job offer in an agency that makes statistical studies, she thinks it is a great opportunity to grow professionally... Daniel commented with great pride...

How nice... She must be very happy and so are you, you are the kind of person who is happy when friends are doing well.... I told Daniel with total sincerity...

By the way, I have noticed that in my last invitations to go to Mary's you have always had some setback, something that has prevented you from going. I don't deny that it was a coincidence, that the invitation really coincided with some important event for you and that's why you didn't go. But I have also thought about whether there is something you might want to tell me .... Is everything all right with Mary...? commented my friend...

Well, that's precisely what I wanted to talk to you about...I know how much Mary means to you and I also know that you love it when the three of us get together. I also like being with you very much and Mary is a great conversationalist... However, about two months ago she became fond of a coffee that is a bit strange, I don't know if it's because of the blend or the way she prepares it, but that coffee tastes very bad to me, it has a very bitter touch that I find unbearable...

Once in the kitchen I made the comment and she didn't take it well. You know that sometimes Mary can be a bit overbearing and thinks that others should adapt to her way of being. Another time I took the liberty of bringing her a packet of the kind of coffee I like, I expected her to prepare it but she didn't even take it into account...

That's why I didn't want to go to Mary's anymore, maybe what I'm telling you seems a little childish, but it's hard for me to be in a place where I don't feel good...I hope you can understand me...dear friend...I commented to Daniel...

Of course I understand you...It's true that Mary can be quite proud and it's hard for her to put herself in other people's shoes...And the truth is that it doesn't make any sense for you to be in a place where you have to drink horrible coffee. I know that you are quite demanding when it comes to coffee and you don't have to change your tastes... But I think I have the solution to keep meeting the three of us... Do you remember that coffee shop near the lake, you always said that they prepare excellent coffee...? We could meet there. I think Mary would like that too... Daniel commented in a satisfied tone...

I think it's very good... A place where we all feel comfortable, it is very likely that in that great coffee shop they have a blend that Mary likes...

The truth is that you have taken a great weight off my shoulders, Daniel...I was afraid that you were not going to understand me...Thank you very much for being so understanding...I shook my friend's hand and we said goodbye until another opportunity...

As Daniel left, I could not stop thinking about everything that coffee can mean in people's lives...

In my case I recognize that I am very demanding, some would say even a little intransigent. But only people who know the great pleasure of coffee can understand how unpleasant it is to drink a badly prepared coffee. That is why I try as much as possible to make it to my liking.

Here is a little trick that has worked very well for me. In all the gatherings of friends I go to, I always offer to prepare the coffee and to all the houses I go to, I give them packages of the coffee I like. That way I guarantee that I will have a good coffee. This may seem like an eccentricity to you, but it is well worth it....

Thank you for your time.