i'm a starbucks barista, and sometimes i feel like the people who appreciate me most are my customers whose names and drinks i remember every single day.

Story of my life. I agree that some baristas may put on the whole "i care" act. However most of the baristas i encounter (save for one location) are arrogant and rude. They glare at you while ordering as if "why are you here bothering me with your insignificant presence." Not much of an experience i say. Some dont say a word but just give you a look at the cash register and remain silent the entire transaction. However there are some baristas i know that genuinely care. In a university town they know that most of the patrons wont be tipping as they are students like themselves. All are friendly and cordial but some go the extra mile. Once all the students return in September, some go out of their way to hear what you did in the summer and are all "OMG i havent seen you in FOREVER!" Its a nice place to visit when needing to relax or just perk your spirits.

stop being so clingy.

NO LIFE STORIES

Well, we get paid to be civil and make your coffee; we get tipped because we care. (I certainly hope you're tipping your baristi, if they mean this much to you!) I tend to give my customers exactly what they give me, in terms of attitude... so I suggest that anyone who encounters rude service at any coffee shop, not just Starbucks, either be nicer to your servers, or go to a different shop. They'd appreciate it, trust me.

I think ppl are gravely underestimating the amount of money that Starbucks baristas get paid or tipped. It's a really tough thing to try to make a living off of. I love the conversations that I have with customers and I love talking to regulars about their day and, if I can, making it a little better. There's not really another reason to be broke all the time outside of work. I'll bet your baristas love you and love talking to you. Don't let them ppls up there sway you. They dunno your baristas or the situation. Some of my best friends are Stabucks baristas :D word.

It's creepy how overly friendly people are working in places like that. I don't want the random person in Starbucks that I've never seen before and probably will never see again, to ask how my days going. I know they don't care. I guess people tip them out of some misplaced guilt that they are so nice so they carry on.

hey! how have you been? *smiles* I'm so glad to see you. it's been like 16 hours. want extra caramel?

the wording of this one puts it in that very elite category of actual LOL's!  hilarious

You should buy a dog. A dog is always glad to see you, and he is always yours. He will never let you down, and he will comfort you when you are sad. And you will meet new people when you take a walk with him.