Yours in Coffee and love xxx

While social networks and online dating are taking over as the most popular places for people looking for a romantic relationship to meet, information suggests that the coffee shop is increasing in popularity for those looking to make real connections. Seb Schneider of Motherland Coffee shares how coffee shops are going to see a fair bit of action this Valentine’s Day.

“The two significant trends we are seeing are that the coffee industry in South Africa continues to grow, and that there is a move back to building real relationships in a world that is dominated by the digital life. On the day that celebrates romance and personal connections, we believe cafes are going to be very busy,” says Sebastian.

Recent global survey results released by Havas Worldwide in its This Digital Life report, states that societies around the world worry that digital communications are negatively impacting on our ability to build personal relationships. Specifically that 53% of men and 56% of women worry that digital communications are weakening human-to-human bonds, 63% of men and 69% of women worry about society’s lack of community/ interconnectedness, while 63% of men and 68% of women worry about society’s loss of face-to-face interaction. The survey states that there is a move towards a hybrid way of living – keeping current conveniences while holding fast to those traditions that are in danger of disappearing.

Says Sebastian, “We see that people will come to coffee shops and spend all day sitting on their computer working, but it is very clear that the reason they come to the coffee shops is because they crave company – they want that living personal connection, even if they are all strangers.”

“Similarly, we are seeing that while people may be meeting online, they are choosing to meet face-to-face in a safe and public place, and coffee shops provide the perfect venue for a date. If a date goes wrong, it may only last for at least the time it takes to drink a quick coffee, but if it goes right, it’s a comfortable and relaxed setting.”

“When, on Valentine’s Day, it seems like you are the only person who is not one half of a couple, the thought of the day may be depressing. But not everyone will be celebrating Valentine’s Day, which means that there is still a chance of meeting someone. And there will more than likely be more single people at a particular place, like coffee shops, than usual."

“Coffee shops are a great place to relax and quite possibly meet new people. It sounds clichéd that that a person could meet someone in a coffee shop, and have it develop into something more meaningful, but it does happen. Maybe it’s something about the boost of energy coffee gives you, or the stress-free environment that gives people the courage to approach others - sending a coffee refill to their table in order to get their attention and start a conversation. This a great way to meet someone, have a quick date, even if it’s just for that brief moment in time,” concludes Sebastian.

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Thanks to the Motherland team and all our amazing South African Cafes for making all those delicious coffees, today and everyday.

Here's the perfect song for all you coffee lovers in love, a love song written in his favourite cafe. Sweet.



And as Ella says, when in any kind of doubt about romance, drink black coffee. Ain't she beautiful.