F* the Police!!

I usually don't mention what I do to strangers, but the girls at my favorite coffee stop know I work nights and stop in for a lot of caffeine late in the evening. 

The other day a young, new barista asked what I do and without thinking I said that I was a police officer.  My guard was down, I didn't assess, I figured I didn't need to worry about my safety at that moment.

She sighed.  Oh, I love the police.  I have an uncle, some friends and other family that are all police officers or deputies. 

I sighed.  Phew.  This wouldn't be awkward.  I thought.

She went on.  Sometimes it's really weird though, a lot of people my age don't like cops.  It's so strange to be at a party chanting "Fuck the Police!" with everyone and then go home and stay at a deputy's house that night with family.  I feel bad, you know?

Judging by the look on her face, I think she got the look on my face.  I said I don't understand why people say things if they don't believe them.  I said maybe it's hard to stand up to your friends.  I told her I have small children and they still like police officers.  I said it's really hard if the people you love don't have the ability to stand up for their own family, and I hope my kids can at least stand up for me someday. 

And I politely took my coffee rather than dumping it on her coffee stand.