November 4, 2026 at 1:21 pm

Her Older Colleague Kept Counting Her Daily Coffee Cups—So She Shut Down the Workplace Interrogation for Good

by Ashley Ashbee

A ceramic cup of black coffee beside an open laptop

Pexels

So many people swear by coffee as not just a pleasure to cope with stress, but an essential tool to be able to function. Caffeine fuel.

But that’s not what this story is about. See how a nosy coworker gave this blood lab worker bad feelings.

Apparently I drink too much coffee for some people 😂☕

I’m a middle aged person who is going back to school earning a second bachelor’s degree to be a medical professional.

I’m a senior in my 7th week of clinicals at a hospital 45 min from my school.

My doctor would not accept me handling it the way she does! This seems like a lot to me.

I got along great with everyone so far. I typically have 2 to 3 4oz cups of coffee while I’m there.

A phlebotomist walked in and I was sitting there having a cup after lunch. She said loudly “You drink a lotta coffee and I mean a looooootta coffee… Do you drink coffee right before bed??!”

I said “No. I don’t drink coffee after I leave here.”

Then it got super personal and nosy. I’d probably refuse to answer. The nerve!

She asks, “How old are you, if you don’t mind me asking?” I told her “43”, she says “Hmm you’re not that old..”.

I was sitting there looking at her, trying to figure out why I’m being ambushed about my coffee intake. I couldn’t believe it was happening.

This part made me sad because she feels violated and also powerless. She should contact HR. I would!

It was like a dream. She seemed really bothered over me having a grand total of 12oz of coffee.

In my mind I’m thinking “Witch, mind your freaking business!!” But I can’t say that. I don’t want to get kicked out of school.

Here is what folks are talking about.

No, she reminds me of people I’ve known who literally surveil you for opportunities to give you a lecture and try to make you feel small.

TS 49 Her Older Colleague Kept Counting Her Daily Coffee Cups—So She Shut Down the Workplace Interrogation for Good

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I think she’s trying to shame OP for not having the energy without coffee.

TS 50 Her Older Colleague Kept Counting Her Daily Coffee Cups—So She Shut Down the Workplace Interrogation for Good

Whoa! This would make any kid anxious. Maybe it’s a cultural thing?
TS 51 Her Older Colleague Kept Counting Her Daily Coffee Cups—So She Shut Down the Workplace Interrogation for Good

43-year-old lab worker drinks a lot of coffee and her colleague has a problem with that for some reason.

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Ashley Ashbee | Contributing Writer, Workplace & Culture

Ashley Ashbee is a contributing writer for TwistedSifter specializing in workplace dynamics, employee advocacy, and professional culture. Drawing on her real-world experience as a software consultant, she brings a unique, insider perspective to navigating office conflicts, toxic management, and trending professional dilemmas.

Holding a degree in Professional Writing from York University, Ashley combines her formal editorial training with her corporate background to deliver highly engaging, empathetic narratives. She excels at breaking down complex workplace dramas and translating them into stories that truly empower and validate modern workers.

Based in St. Catharines, Ontario, Ashley balances her time between the tech and publishing worlds with her love for the outdoors. When she isn’t consulting or writing, she can usually be found exploring local walking trails or experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.

Connect with Ashley on LinkedIn and Twitter/X.