...to not want to say my name when ordering my coffee?

[scampadoodle]

I'm not a miserable cow: if you work in a coffee shop I am happy to greet you, smile, say please & thank you. But I really really don't want to tell you my name, like I'm at a group therapy session. I am quite introverted & self-conscious and that kind of thing makes me want to run screaming.

Mind, I hate Starbucks so am unlikely to go in there but read about this policy in the paper & wondered what I'd do should the situation arise...

There could not be any more name threads around at the moment so pick one of those, your Enid Blyton name or similar.

Half the time they don't ask you anyway, and if you don't have to give your real name. It makes me cringe a bit too, but at least it does stop the embarrassment of lunging for someone else's tall latte at the pick-up counter.

I would be flustered, tell them my name, feel like a fucking idiot afterwards for falling into their trap and never return.

So now that you are forewarned - just say "I'd rather not thank you". If they pursue it "are you telling me you won't sell me that coffee without knowing my name?" obviously they will say no. "in which case, I'd rather not say.".

It's a silly rule!

...give a false name

Just make one up - not sur the staff like it either as the one time I went there they still just said my 'tall skinny latte' rather than 'mrscb'

I wouldn't give a made up name, I'd still be playing their silly name. Forewarned and forearmed with unusual confidence, I would just refuse to say.

Major X post

I am Jane, in coffee shops. It's surprisingly uncommon.

I'm going to use my enid blyton name in future.

When I get asked I got so flustered I gave my surname only once
,

Your main problem is you're going to Starbucks. Find a small independent shop instead. Much better coffee. Help local businesses.

Also, their coffee is vile.

Finally, if you really must drink Starbucks shudder call yourself Taluhlah Bankhead.

Tee no, I said I don't go to Starbucks as their coffee is too overpriced weak for me; I was just a-wonderin'. And independents don't always make decent coffee either.

FolkGirl yes I agree. I am too chicken to give a false name, not confident enough. I would be v PA about it!

There's a campaign online that we should all say 'Bob' when asked, I lost my nerve though!

And how does one do ones Enid Blyton name?

why do they want to know your name?

You gotta try a lot of independents until you find the right one, is all.

If I ever found myself in a Starbucks, I'd definitely make up a name. Probably a man's name. Bernard has just sprung into my mind. Yes, I'm going to be Bernard in coffee shops from now on.

They ask your name?

How does that come about then?

Hecate according to this article it's to make SB appear all lovely & friendly & non-coporate (excuse me while I heave) - amazingly, SB's UK arm doesn't make a profit, which fact astounded me when I read it. Mind it was in The Grauniad so who knows...

Find out the name of Starbucks CEO and give that ? Either they'll figure you're taking the piss, or you'll get really, really good service

I think it shows a catastrophic mis-reading of the British temperament: we're either introverted inadequates who hate that kind of thing, or we take the piss.

I am Sir Sidney Harbourbridge. Make mine a tall latte, barista...

Enid Blyton name? Oh that could lead to all sorts of trouble Chinky?

I always just say Talullah

Takver, that's inspired!! I'm Howard Schultz from now on

(although I do doubt that the majority of Starbucks baristas will know who he is)