My employer has gone too far
Coffee drinking is HUGE in my workplace, to the point where it becomes a necessary social event required to advance in the company. The problem is, as a member of the LDS church, I am unable to drink any caffeinated beverages (coffee, soda, tea, etc.). I want to be engaged with my coworkers, but none of them seem to understand why I don't drink it ("you'll learn to like the taste"). How to people avoid this kind of pressure without offending people? Nobody else in the office is in the same situation as me.
Perplexed, you are trying to deduce a 6000 year old delima. To conform, or not to confirm, the Lord did not confirm. The question is, what would he expect of you. It depends on the strength of your convictions, you may have to stand on them, and let the Lord prosper you. Although a little coffee in moderation should not hurt you.
Grow up a little and you will figure out a way to navigate adulthood. This is another one of those "I am a victim" posts.
If I were you, I'd tell them that it's for health reason why I can't drink decaffeinated drinks. Maybe your coworkers might find this reason to be more reasonable. I found out that people who have heart problems are being advised not to drink coffee due to the caffeine increases the heart rate and bad for the heart, especially for people who have stroke.
I see this as great Saturday Night Live skit.
You shouldn't have to explain to everyone why you don't drink coffee. But if you publicly state that it is for religious purposes, that can't discriminate against you.
Since the event is similar to an ice cream social, just drink water or juice.
I was invited to an after work event at a cigar bar, I went for political reasons. The participants asked me to try a cigar & they stated why they partake, but I declined informing them that I don't smoke and the conversation moved to a different topic that was work related. But if the event happens again, I will politely decline.
Don't give in to peer pressure for any reason.
Was with Jim Laughner's suggestions until the "...liberal Democrats..." comments. Those were not necessary.
It's not really a problem unless you or someone else makes it a problem. "I don't drink coffee", should be enough. "I don't consume caffeine", should be enough. If it is not enough, then someone is being immature/unreasonable.
I used to work with a guy who was/is a member of the LDS church. He told me so. That was the end of it. Sometimes it is time to move on. You don't dwell on some things. It wasn't as though he was trying to force me to do anything. He just didn't want to consume something against his beliefs.
Buy a coffee cup from your local coffee shop and put hot chocolate or any sort of hot decaf beverage in it. Problem solved.
I like Taylor's idea of putting water in a coffee cup. I don't drink coffee either but not 4 religious reasons.....I simply don't like it. I worked @ a hospital and nearly everyone drinks coffee there. Many were shocked that I don't drink it.
That sounds silly. It seems like they may be offending you if they are even talking to you about it and wanting to know why you don't drink coffee. Not everybody likes or can even drink coffee. Some people just drink water all the time. Why should this become like some special situation. Are you selling coffee?? Is drinking coffee part of the job description?? For most people who drink coffee in is merely a habit for the most part. More of an addiction. Be glad if you don't have that problem. What kind of company is this??
I understand your situation, but you have to be yourself no matter what. I'm Muslim and I don't eat pork or anything made with pork and I tell them so. If they don't like it so be it. Don't ever compromise your beliefs for nothing and nobody. Drink water or decaffeinated or green leaf tea