I think I may have hurt Andy's feelings today, but I couldn't go on living a lie.
I wasn't rude, I didn't shout, neither did I call him a name. I was just honest.
I've written before about my dislike of rudeness dressed up as 'telling it like it is'. I prefer to spare people's feelings if I can, but sometimes you just have to come out and say it.
Andy and I were having another discussion about the science of making tea. Don't get me wrong, it's not a major topic of conversation chez Calico, but I'm a little fussy when it comes to hot beverages. I commented that he doesn't always draw fresh water each time he boils the kettle. He said that his tea can't be that bad as I don't complain. I told him that was true, but also that I have to pour some of the tea he makes me down the sink as it is undrinkable.
I know. What a horrid thing for me to say.
He'll get over it, of course, but I'm not expecting many hot drinks to be made for me for a while.
So, how do I like my tea (just in case you're brave enough)?
- Use only new, fresh water in the kettle
- Pour boiling water onto the tea bag
- Let it brew for a few minutes
- Add a tiny drop of skimmed milk
See - I'm not that fussy, after all. I'm NOT!
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I wrote this post ages ago, but hadn't published it because it's a bit, well, grumpy. Today I was having a chat with Michelle from The American Resident and she admitted that she doesn't like making tea for people. When they're as fussy as I am, frankly I'm not surprised. I seldom accept a cup of tea if I'm at a friend's house because I start to twitch if they don't pour the water the second the kettle boils (they never do). If they put too much milk in my tea I want to cry. It's safe to say that if I go to your house I will ask for coffee (and then flinch as you pour the water the second the kettle boils). Hey, T from Mummy Barrow, you of the tea linky, how do you make tea?
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Yes, THIS is why I get worried about making tea for the British. Most people have their own way of making it. So I usually just push everything in their direction and make a joke about 'you don't want an American making a cup of tea for you!' and let them get on with it. And most people suddenly relax--I suppose because then they know they'll have their tea just exactly how they like it! ;)
ReplyDelete@Michelloui, I would be over the moon if someone did that for me. Perhaps I should do that too. Quite a few people have asked me recently if they could have, if it's not too much trouble, MORE MILK please :)
DeleteDo you have to use a teapot or do you make it in a mug? My dad's a heathen - if his tea gets cold he pops it in the microwave. My sister mushes the teabag against the side of the mug until it's nearly popping. And don't get me started on people who use half-fat or full-fat milk. It's wrong I tell you, wrong!
ReplyDelete@Glowstars, I use a tea bag in a bone china mug. Oh no, I never microwave drinks and full-fat milk in tea is like drinking tea with cream - so, so wrong.
DeleteYou should come to my house. I like tea just the way you do it. Almost - it's semi-skimmed instead of skimmed milk :)
ReplyDelete@Met Mum, I'd love to come round yours for a cup of tea :)
DeleteSnap, I am the same, this is how I make my tea. I almost cry when someone just keeps on pooooouuuuurrrrrriiiinnnnnnnggggg the semi skimmed milk in there. Urgh, NO, stop! Skimmed only, and just a drop. It really is very simple!
ReplyDelete@Rachel, it is enough to make you cry, people don't understand that milky tea is plain wrong :)
DeleteYou should have tea at my mum's. She starts yelling at me if I don't pour the water as soon as it boils. And then moving quickly to serve it because it's "going to get cold!" I'm getting stressed just thinking about it :)
ReplyDeleteThat being said, I'm fussy about how I like my tea as well. I too will choose coffee over tea if I'm not sure I'll get it how I like it!
@Was Living Down Under, apologies for stressing you out. I drink my tea straight away too. I think I would get on well with your mum.
DeleteI love tea, but I HATED making it for my colleagues when I lived in London b/c I felt I was being judged. So I stuck to coffee :) And Hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii! how are you???????
ReplyDelete@Maria, hi you, I'm good thanks. I wouldn't judge you, of course I wouldn't... ;)
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