LONDON -- As much as we like being on the receiving end of a freshly made cup of tea, it's never quite as satisfying after you've navigated your way across a busy office space with handfuls of overflowing mugs for your colleagues.
It's the inevitable peril of being an adult. Tea is no longer a sacred experience and instead carries the dread of hearing the person at the desk opposite you calling "I could do with a tea" as you shuffle indiscreetly toward the kitchen.
But, we live and we learn, collecting indispensable tea-making tactics as we do.
So, here are nine hacks to make your next office tea run that much more bearable.
1. Use DIY store paint charts to remember your colleagues' tea preferences - you can stick photos of their faces or even just their names over the paint shade that matches their tea strength.
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Sam needs no milk.
2. If you use the last of the milk or teabags, make sure they're replaced. Keep the peace, guys.
IMAGE: MASHABLE COMPOSITE/JOHN KEOGH FLICKR
Never-ending teabags.
3. Use mugs with the same size handles to maximize carrying capabilities.
Minutes saved.
4. Customize your colleagues' mugs with memorable tokens or bring in personal mugs from home.
Never will you sip from the wrong mug.
5. Invest in an office tea pot - this will eliminate the problem of carrying lots of mugs if you're in a big office.
The ultimate office companion.
6. Set up a mini tea station away from the kitchen and near your desk to save time when you're busy.
Some days I seriously consider having a kettle on my desk for endless, lazy tea.— meowgen (@meagen_olivia) July 21, 2015
What she said.
7. Have your colleagues write their orders on Post-it notes ahead of each tea round - this will make sure you never mess up anyone's order, no matter how new to the office you may be.
Milk, no sugar, strong.
8. We all get tired, so lift the office mood by surprising your colleagues with biscuits once in a while. They'll be sure to repay the favor.
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"Oh Sam, YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE."
9. Keep a smaller mug in the cupboard for when a colleague annoys you; when the time comes, give them less tea (they will never know...).
Do not mess with the tea bearer.