Before I became a coffee addict, I mocked every person I saw sporting the iconic Starbucks or Dunkin’ Donuts to-go cup. Sure, I enjoyed the aroma and could appreciate cool and trendy local coffee shops, but I never actually thought that I would never become a coffee drinker.

Eventually, I was sitting in an 8 o’clock class in a groggy stupor and I noticed my fellow classmates walk in with their cups of morning Joe, bright-eyed and full of energy. That was the moment I knew it was time to make a change and swallow my pride, as well as some coffee. Getting energy the “natural way” just wasn’t cutting it anymore.

For addicts like myself, the following things might start happening when you join the coffee cult.

1. Your entire day revolves around that first cup.

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Don’t have time to grab a cup before class? You probably can’t focus on anything other than getting your hands on a freshly brewed cup of heaven.

2. You finally understand the difference between good coffee and bad coffee.

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Not all coffee is brewed equally. Every now and then, you’ll experience a not-so-awesome cup. Luke-warm and watery, you drink it anyway. That’s how much you love coffee.

3. You have a go-to order.

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Whether you drink it black or enjoy a complicated decaf soy latte with ten pumps of vanilla and extra whip, your order is specially crafted for you. Your barista may hate you for it, but that’s the price you pay when you become a coffee aficionado.

4. You silently (or verbally) start to judge people who only drink frappuccinos.

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To you, the flavor of coffee should be cherished and celebrated, not masked by overly sweetened milk and obscene amounts of flavored cream.

5. You’ve experienced your first caffeine headache.

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A day without coffee is not a day worth living and your body knows it.

6. You have a hard time not burning your tongue on the first sip.

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It hurts so good.

7. You feel a sense of pride carrying your to-go cup to class.

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Coffee makes you look like a studious go-getter, ready to take on the day. Basically, it tricks others into thinking you have it all together even if you don’t.

8. You have become accustomed to your breath smelling permanently of coffee.

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Still a better alternative to garlic or onions.

9. You accept the fact that coffee now takes up a substantial amount of your finances.

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Your wallet may be crying but at least your soul is happy.

10. You will literally drink it at any point in the day.

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Italians drink it after dinner, so why can’t you?

11. You’ve been victimized by decaf.

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When all that’s left in the dining hall is decaffeinated coffee, your day has completely lost its meaning. But even decaf coffee is better than no coffee at all.

12. You can spend countless hours in your favorite local coffee shop.

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It’s the perfect place to get a piping hot cup and get your schoolwork done at the same time. Plus, nothing beats the glorious aroma of freshly brewed coffee.

13. You start researching ways to incorporate coffee into every meal.

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Add it to brownie batter or rub it on a steak, your coffee addiction goes beyond the simple beverage.

14. You cringe at the fact you used to think tea was better than coffee.

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You have matured into a busy young adult that needs more than weakly flavored hot water to get through the day.

15. You truly believe coffee has changed your life for the better.

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Coffee is more than a drink, it’s a lifestyle.