Iced Tea

One time while I was playing on my club soccer team (Fort Worth United), my teammate's dad took me out to lunch with them between games at a tournament.  I have no idea why I was with them and not with my family.  I'll have to ask my mom some day.

He took us to eat at Cheddar's and, as I always did, I ordered a sweet tea.  I have always loved tea.  My grandmother and mom used to make it for special days when we'd have big dinners and I couldn't wait to dump about 10 scoops of sugar into it.  On my 13th birthday my family took me to Outback Steakhouse after a game and I probably drank a gallon of sweet tea during dinner. 

Andy, my friend's dad, asked why I was ordering tea.  He sounded so deeply interested like a psychiatrist in a movie might sound when trying to figure out a character's problem.  "Is it because it dehydrates you and you can play longer?  Because it's a natural diuretic? Or because of its caffeine levels?"

I was about 13.  I didn't even know what that word meant!  Tea has caffeine??  Why do any 13 year olds do anything?  He was pretty disappointed in my answer.  "Well, it definitely doesn't make me... you know... have diarrhea or anything.  I just like it I guess!"
He explained "diuretic" meant that it makes you have to pee more.  I had no idea.  I guess I thought I went to the bathroom a normal amount.  It's probably good I drink so much tea, because I never drink water.  I'd probably end up in the ER from dehydration without tea in my life. 

He might be interested to know that now, 15ish years later, despite my knowledge base, health benefits or detriments, I still drink iced tea just because I like it.  Sorry I'm not more interesting.