Matcha Doesn’t Taste Like Grass, and Other Life Lessons
Writer: Sarah Lindquist
Editor: Izzy Patrizio
Photo from Staff
I’m a firm believer that matcha does not taste like grass, but to each their own. People like to say that every brunette needs their blonde. But for me, I like to say that every matcha lover needs their coffee enthusiast. My personal favorite matcha I’ve ever had was homemade, with lavender syrup made from the plants in my backyard. While it was delicious, it was hard to enjoy it all by myself. That’s where my coffee lover comes in. Whether you’re a matcha lover, hater, or somewhere in between, I urge you – find your opposite.
It’s amazing to have friends that are just like you. People who can always match your energy, understand exactly how you approach things, and that are experiencing the same stage of life as you are. They’d sit in a quaint coffee shop with you for hours, while you both are sipping on lavender matcha. I love my matcha friends, but there’s a lot to be said for finding those people who would shout from the rooftops that yes, matcha does taste like grass. These are the people who challenge you – push you. They’re quiet when you’re loud, they’re STEM minded while you’re meant for the humanities, they’re older, or younger, than you are. They don’t have the same perspectives on life that you do, and that’s where the beauty of the coffee friend comes from. When you’re spiraling, you know your matcha friends will spiral right alongside you, but no one wants to spiral forever, and your coffee friend can ground you. They can remind you that whatever you’re feeling will pass, your stress will fade, your sadness will taper. They’re there to be your voice of reason, even if you don’t realize that you need it.
Even when you’re at your best, it’s amazing to have someone with a life that looks vastly different than yours. I know for myself, I can talk about my dreams to go to law school, or become a cat mom, or even to retire early and become a writer in Scotland. I love the people who relate, who’ve also had their whole lives planned since they were 10, but it can get exhausting. Even unintentionally, talking about goals that are similar can turn into a competition. Who’s more ambitious, who has the best plan, who’s taking the right steps to make that happen. Sometimes, I just want to hear from someone who doesn’t feel that way. Someone who has the absolute opposite goals in life, and isn’t afraid to show that. Your coffee friend doesn’t even need to be this different from you. Maybe they’re just more laid back, or more introverted, or any of those small traits that make us who we are. No matter the degree of difference, they’ll always have your back, even if that looks different for them than it does for you.
The coffee to your matcha isn’t just about these differences though. It’s about the fact that in a way, they complete you. They make you better, they become your other half. Once I found my coffee friend, I knew we would be friends for a lifetime. I can tell her anything, no matter how big, or small, and she’ll be there for me. She’ll roll her eyes every time I drink my matcha, but never with any malice. She’ll always impress me with her ability to stay present in the moment, even when I’m constantly thinking 3 steps ahead. Whether we’re with each other every day, or split on different sides of the country, I know she’s there for me. Find that person who makes everything seem easier, seem lighter. Cherish these friendships, because they don’t come easy. Whether it’s the blonde to your brunette, the salty to your sweet, or the coffee to your matcha, find that person who makes you that much happier. But never, ever, give in, and admit that matcha tastes like grass. Because you, without a doubt, have a superior taste palate.
