so, it's happened to me, prolly 1/2 a dozen times, over the last few years. I am in the drive thru at a starbucks. I get up to the window, after I order and the person in front of me has paid for my coffee and veggie sandwich. the first couple of times, I didn't even notice the car in front of me. I paid no attention. the last 2 or 3 times, I did notice that the buyer ahead was slow rolling off the lot. I assume that they wanted to see my reaction. well, with the exception of one cougar. she had the coffee jockey relay a phone number to me......that was awkward. but I find this whole thing rather awkward. why are these people doing this? Is it for the "joy of giving"? if so, why not leave a big tip, for the barista? why slow roll and wait for my reaction? this makes me feel awkward. I can obviously afford coffee, as I am in a starbucks line and not a 7/11. I do appreciate it, but I don't want to muster up an over-enthusiastic look of surprise and gratitude. or do I have this all wrong? are they waiting to see if I will pay for the chick, that is slopping on make up, behind me? in which case, why not just pay for your stuff and I will pay for mine and all is the same?
does this stuff happen everywhere, or is it some southern "nice as all get-out "thing? Am I being cynical? I mean I donate and give to charity, but never go look for a reaction.... what is the preferred reaction? Honestly, I would rather not be involved in anything like this. I am now somewhat connected to the person in front of me and left contemplating this whole idea (on a land rover forum, no doubt). now I am not even enjoying this free cup of hazelnut syrup and caffeine. I would be, but I had to wave to the lady in front of me and mouth the words "thank you, so much" out my window. like I am performing for this $8 gesture...are you folks experiencing this sort of drive thru insanity? not so much the coffee gift, but the waiting on a reaction. when I clean my coin tray out at the toll booth, I don't hold up traffic to see how the dude behind me will react.

 

up here we do it the other way, we say the guy behind us is paying, and then watch their reaction in the mirror

 

I think it was all good except the waiting to see your reaction part... and especially if you had to wave and all. Thats kinda forced. I always thought the idea was to give or do something for someone WITHOUT them knowing who it was.

 

This has happened to me also. Only at Starbucks. I think people do this out of narcissism not true charity. Try doing something for someone who actually needs it. Maybe I am being cynical too.

 

you mean like the homeless guy that could probably use a cup of coffee

 

that's actually perfect. not the "he's got it" but I could just say pass on the joy to the car behind me. hopefully it will be a carpool of 6 heavyweights. they can sort out whatever reaction that they deem necessary.
I can save my performances for Christmas socks and ties.

 

and yes the gift of overpriced macchiato is not lost on me, its the "let's see your reaction, little guy" glare in their side view mirror.
and this usually happens within a 1/2 block of a stoplight that is littered with people asking for a hand out. that $8 could have been translated into a well appreciated smile of bliss and some two buck chuck

 

More like the homeless guy that could use a meal.

 

so we don't think that the goal is to see if I will pay for the car behind me?
I will not. I do not know who that is. they may get hopped up on goofballs and torture puppies on the weekend or something stupid. so I will always stay on the safe side and assume that is the person behind me and I do not contribute to that sort of evil.

 

Well since your at an overpriced coffee shop they probly do want you to pay for the next car, trying to get something going so they have something to talk about around the water cooler in their otherwise boring self centered lives

As far as homeless I don't give money but will give food, money can be spent on boos and drugs, Ford will likely get eaten