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An ode to that “coffee friend”

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Re: An ode to that “coffee friend”

#81

Post by rootveg »

bliteben wrote: post #62
fishtoaster wrote: post #47

I thing I decided late in life is that being really into things is cool. Something I'm rather sad about is that highschool kinda beat that attitude out of me. I was a classic nerd, including all the bad attributes that label comes with, but also one really good one: I was really into a number of things. But I learned from hard experience that being super into stuff was lame - being disinterested and too cool for stuf…

I was recently struck by this tidbit about Cormac McCarthy: > As a child, McCarthy saw no value in school, preferring to pursue his own interests. He described a moment when his teacher asked the class about their hobbies. McCarthy answered eagerly, as he later said, "I was the only one with any hobbies and I had every hobby there was ... name anything, no matter how esoteric. I could have given everyone a hobby and…

Not to mock but that sounds like a classic ADHD trait... coming from someone who in the last few month bought a e-piano, started painting and sailing

Re: An ode to that “coffee friend”

#82

Post by [deleted] »

fishtoaster wrote: post #47

I thing I decided late in life is that being really into things is cool. Something I'm rather sad about is that highschool kinda beat that attitude out of me. I was a classic nerd, including all the bad attributes that label comes with, but also one really good one: I was really into a number of things. But I learned from hard experience that being super into stuff was lame - being disinterested and too cool for stuf…

[deleted]

Re: An ode to that “coffee friend”

#83

Post by amenod »

bliteben wrote: post #62
fishtoaster wrote: post #47

I thing I decided late in life is that being really into things is cool. Something I'm rather sad about is that highschool kinda beat that attitude out of me. I was a classic nerd, including all the bad attributes that label comes with, but also one really good one: I was really into a number of things. But I learned from hard experience that being super into stuff was lame - being disinterested and too cool for stuf…

I was recently struck by this tidbit about Cormac McCarthy: > As a child, McCarthy saw no value in school, preferring to pursue his own interests. He described a moment when his teacher asked the class about their hobbies. McCarthy answered eagerly, as he later said, "I was the only one with any hobbies and I had every hobby there was ... name anything, no matter how esoteric. I could have given everyone a hobby and…

[15] https://web.archive.org/web/20200111221557/https://www.thegu...

Re: An ode to that “coffee friend”

#85

Post by foobarbecue »

CTDOCodebases wrote: post #73

This will sound so unappreciative but if you are going to bother gifting someone something they are into maybe talk with them and understand what they like. Being "into coffee" before it was really a thing I can't count how many times someone has given me a bag of coffee that is roasted to taste like an ashtray many moons ago. It's not that I don't appreciate the gesture. It's just that I know I can't be truthful abo…

You were into coffee before it was really a thing? So 15th century?

Re: An ode to that “coffee friend”

#86

Post by foobarbecue »

quickthrower2 wrote: post #20
mathattack wrote: post #10

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It’s not the value of the gift, it’s the thoughtfulness. “I know you like X, and I thought about you” is a very different sentiment than “Let me gift you with my expertise.” The economists I’ve talked to say if you’re maximizing Utility then give cash.

The comedians say “cash: the gift card you can use anywhere!”

It's so bizarre to me that gift cards don't come at a discount. Buying a gift card is so clearly an unfair transaction to the benefit of the merchant.

Re: An ode to that “coffee friend”

#88

Post by rocketbop »

rootveg wrote: post #81
bliteben wrote: post #62

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I was recently struck by this tidbit about Cormac McCarthy: > As a child, McCarthy saw no value in school, preferring to pursue his own interests. He described a moment when his teacher asked the class about their hobbies. McCarthy answered eagerly, as he later said, "I was the only one with any hobbies and I had every hobby there was ... name anything, no matter how esoteric. I could have given everyone a hobby and…

Not to mock but that sounds like a classic ADHD trait... coming from someone who in the last few month bought a e-piano, started painting and sailing

Cormac McCarthy does not have ADHD.

Re: An ode to that “coffee friend”

#89

Post by crossroadsguy »

I rather prefer the way where the giving person thinks something that according to them is nice enough to be gifted to the receiving person - for both giving and receiving. Otherwise it honestly kills the novelty and romance of it.

On the other hand, I am into notebooks and fountain pens and till today even I don’t know what kind I am really into. So until I have seen it, touched it, held in my hand I don’t know what I want. My friends definitely don’t.

I usually gift hardcover “good” books. Not what I “know” they like, but what I “think” they’ll like. And even non-readers have finished most of my printed books.

Re: An ode to that “coffee friend”

#90

Post by shrubby »

I'm into new and shiny things, but for sure don't want presents. Send me a message or hug me but don't waste our precious resources on buying me something I absolutely don't need.

It's not all about me for F's sake.

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