starbucks, what have we come to?

it's no secret that i am in love with starbucks. in fact, i am in a deep, committed relationship with it. i am starbucks' loyal wife, and even when we hit a rough patch, i know that starbucks will be with me wherever i go, for better or for worse.

in england, starbucks and i are for worse.

i knew that when i arrived in london, our relationship would be strained. forced in between convenience stores and often sharing its space with book stores, train stations, or even clothing stores, i knew that starbucks could eventually begin to suffocate me. i need my space. some of my favorite days with starbucks have been when we are relaxing, sitting in comfy green chairs with a book in hand and the aroma of coffee swirling around us. i love that when i am doing homework or chatting with friends starbucks is never imposing or jealous, it just lets me have my space and take my time. however, starbucks in london is small, crowded, and angry. instead of a warm "hello! what can i get for you today?" i am greeted with a "yes?" followed by a cold stare. is this what i deserve, starbucks? why are what once used to be squishy velvet armchairs replaced with cramped bar seating to accommodate the masses of people vying for your attention?

and that isn't all of it: starbucks isn't meeting my needs. starbucks used to selflessly offer me dozens of options. a pumpkin spice latte used to be our tradition! now it is forgotten, nowhere to be found. starbucks once gave me special gifts, like treat receipts and gold card perks. now i am just another girl, paying full price with the rest of them. and i can just tell that starbucks isn't using the same kind of syrups and milks that it does in the states. starbucks is trying to fool me into thinking that nothing has changed with us, but in fact it has drastically.

i know that when i return to california and we are back where we are used to starbucks and i will mend our relationship. hopefully starbucks will learn from its mistakes and make it up to me with good service, free soy milk, and a comfy chair. but until then, i am sorry starbucks, but we're going to have to go on a break.