u/eshoradecomer00

Hey baristas, this may be long. If you want to read, I appreciate you so much.

I am entering my third year as a barista at a specialty coffee roaster that also serves food and makes pastries in house. Before this I’d never been a barista. In the past year, I’ve gotten a few reviews that specifically mention how I look. “Bangs,” “short,” that kinda thing. One has mentioned how I roll my eyes when calling out drink orders, which is not something I do. I’ve been accused of having a “sour puss,” which is a little bit amusing.

I know all of this because I check the reviews almost daily. That maybe sounds crazy. It maybe is crazy. I realized in the past two weeks that checking the reviews does nothing good for me, there are only downsides. So I’ve stopped. I haven’t looked for about two weeks and my girlfriend likened the way I’m feeling to withdrawals. Again, maybe that’s dramatic or crazy, but I’m feeling tremendous anxiety. How do I balance between wanting to improve my customer service, because I really do, and feeling persecuted? Distinguishing between helpful commentary, and customers being rude by putting my appearance under scrutiny on the internet? I get home from work and imagine all the things people could say about me online. But, maybe I’m thinking too much about myself.

Does anyone relate? Does anyone feel me?

Hi! I’m planning a trip to Maine in August with my parents and girlfriend. We have our accommodations booked already but I want to solidify our itinerary. We are staying in Kennebunkport for 3 nights and Portland for 2.

I’d like to also see Ogunquit and York. I’m open to any and all suggestions! What beaches should we prioritize? Is it worth it to spend a whole day in Ogunquit? Where are the best easy hikes?

Day 1: drive up to Kennebunkport and stop in York for lunch maybe. Dinner in Kennebunkport.

Day 2: beach, walk around town, dinner

Day 3: morning hike? Drive to Ogunquit, lunch, Perkins Cove, dinner

Day 4: drive to Portland, Luncheonette, explore, hotel check in, dinner at Duckfat? Drive to Portland head lighthouse if still light out

Day 5 and 6: still working on it…

Please be kind if this is dumb or impractical, I’ve never been before 🫣

Hi baggu baddies. IIRC there was a sale last June. Do we think there will be another this June?