Whether it’s running to MUG for a Red Eye or getting that first pumpkin fix of the season from the Starbucks in Leavey, on the whole, Georgetown students enjoy their coffee. There’s a difference though, between sipping the occasional iced drink and living every day in the constant pursuit of caffeine. When you find yourself running down to Epicurean at 3:00 AM and buying nothing but a large soda to power through your first all-nighter (which is what I found myself doing last week), the thinness of that fine line becomes alarmingly clear. So here, from a newly realized caffeine addict, is a guide to recognizing your own obsession.
1. You are willing to sacrifice things like being on time to class in order to get your fix.
2. You go to Leo’s for breakfast and only drink coffee. As a matter of fact, you drink coffee or soda with every meal.
3. Your day revolves around the moment when you and your caffeine will be reunited.
4. When you’re not caffeinated, you’re mean. Not because your body is lacking the energy to be nice—because you were really looking forward to getting a coffee and life without it just isn’t as good.
5. You will give your floormates anything and everything you have if they’ll let you use their Keurig. This includes books, clothing, music, and even precious food.
6. You decide to study in Lau 2, but you really only go down there to get some more coffee. You sip your drink and watch some Netflix on your laptop before realizing that you didn’t actually bring any books.
7. You don’t mind exams, because they’re a great excuse for over-caffeinating.
If any of this sounds like you, chances are you might like your caffeine just a little too much. And while you should definitely deal with that problem, it’s okay to take small steps. Drink milk with dinner tomorrow, and bring a water bottle to class instead of a mug, but don’t feel too guilty about turning on that French Press for midterm week. It’s important to find a balance between falling asleep in class and sprinting around campus full of manufactured energy. Cutting a little caffeine out of your daily diet is an easy way to be happier, healthier, and a little less stressed.