Met a Super Friendly, Handsome Starbucks Barista

I started my master's last fall, right when COVID restrictions lifted and the borders reopened. My English has always been stronger in reading and writing, and my speaking is terrible, so ever since coming to New York I get super nervous every time I order food on my own…

Honestly, I'm guessing people probably don't care at all whether my English is broken, but the pressure in my own head is really intense. On top of that I'm already a bit socially anxious, so every time I order it takes me forever

Today I went to Starbucks for a latte (by the way, there are way too many little details to coffee here, especially all the kinds of milk). I said very, very slowly, “I will have a Grande ice latte, single shot, skimmed milk.” Then he asked if I wanted any food with it, and I told him I needed some time to look at what they had, because I didn't understand every ingredient. I asked him one or two questions, and to my surprise he didn't seem annoyed that I was asking so many questions and taking up so much of his time. Instead he very patiently went through what was in each meal and snack, one by one

After I got my order, I saw he didn't have any customers, so I asked him if there were any good shops or sights nearby. He asked if I was new here, and I said yes, I'm here for grad school. He recommended some interesting bookstores nearby and good restaurants near my school, and at the end wished me a great evening

Sob, this is the warmest iced latte I've had since coming to New York. Handsome and kind-hearted, I'm so touched. I've decided I'll go to that Starbucks for coffee every time I walk by